Proverbs 24:1 Meaning and Explanation
“Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Do not envy or seek the company of wicked people.
The Context of Proverbs 24:1
Proverbs 24 opens with warnings against envy and wickedness.
What Does Proverbs 24:1 Mean?
Envy is a trap that draws us toward those who do harm. The warning here addresses a common human tendency to admire those who seem to prosper through wrongdoing or manipulation.
The path of integrity may look less rewarding at first, but companionship with the wicked leads only to ruin. Choosing different associates—those who build rather than destroy—protects your own character.
Proverbs 24:1 in the Original Language
envious (קנאה qin'ah) — burning desire to possess or rival what another has.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 24:1
What does Proverbs 24:1 mean?
Do not envy or seek the company of wicked people.
What is the context of Proverbs 24:1?
Proverbs 24 opens with warnings against envy and wickedness.