RTW 2022

Don’t fret because of evildoers; don’t envy the wicked.
Proverbs 24:19

This isn’t new. Solomon speaks of it and the king calmly and wisely says, “Don’t fret.”

Translated more accurate as:

“The translation ‘Do not fret’ is too mild. ‘Do not get yourself infuriated over evildoers’ is more accurate. Those who love the truth are naturally enraged by the effrontery of those who promote or practice godless behavior.” – Duane Garrett

Our confident trust in God’s ability and promise to bring evil to an end and bring justice to the wrong, has got to be greater than my anger when it seems like evildoers are getting away with it.

For their calamity shall rise suddenly, and who knows the punishment and ruin which both [the Lord and the king] will bring upon [the rebellious]?
Proverbs 24:22 (AMPC)

Solomon’s father, King David had his run-ins with evildoers and writes:

• Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither.
  Psalm 37:1-2

Don’t fret and Don’t worry: heat oneself in vexation

• Vexation: to be tormented, distressed
• burning sensation, in throat, etc., from rage and pain

A few words about the evil people

• God will turn the sins of evil people back on them. He will destroy them for their sins. The Lord our God will destroy them.
  Psalm 94:23

• Evil people will surely be punished, but the children of the godly will go free.
  Proverbs 11:21

• For evil people have no future; the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.
  Proverbs 24:20

So, what does a Christian do?

• Love the Lord.
• Love your neighbor.
• Live by the Book.
• Leave the details in His hands.

It’s that simple, and that difficult at the same time.

‍

Confession time. We’re friends, right? This is really hard for me.

Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble. For the Lord will be displeased with you and will turn his anger away from them.
Proverbs 24:17-18

‍

Decide every day to live unvexed and do what it takes to accomplish that.