“Do not let your heart envy sinners [who live godless lives and have no hope of salvation], but continue to live in the [reverent, worshipful] fear of the LORD day by day. Surely there is a future [and a reward], and your hope and expectation will not be cut off.”
Proverbs 23:17–18 AMP

Have you ever looked at those in positions of power—seeing their wealth, influence, and success—and wondered why God allows it? Have you ever thought, It wouldn’t be so bad if I had that kind of influence… I could do good with it?

Be careful.

Scripture warns us not to envy those who gain success through crooked and ungodly means. It may appear that they are free from accountability, but judgment is not absent—it is simply delayed. Eventually, the truth is revealed. The scandal surfaces. The legacy collapses. What once looked like success becomes a testimony of corruption and disgrace. Our verse today warns us about the danger of envy, and the Psalmist reinforces this truth:

“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret when men prosper in their ways, When they carry out wicked schemes…For evildoers will be cut off, But those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.” Psalm 37:7–9 AMP

God’s promise is clear: we are not wasting our lives by remaining faithful to Him. The enemy will whisper lies—telling us we are falling behind, that we are missing out, that our lives lack significance. But God declares something different: those who remain faithful will inherit what others tried to gain through unrighteous means. King Solomon echoes this:

“Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and his life is prolonged… still I know that it will be well with those who fear God.” Ecclesiastes 8:12 AMP

Perspective matters. The temporal view says:

“It is useless to serve God… evildoers prosper, and they escape judgment.” Malachi 3:14–15 AMP

But the eternal view declares something far greater.

“This is why I suffer as I do… for I know Him whom I have believed… and I am persuaded that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.” 2 Timothy 1:12 AMP

Knowing God personally anchors us when everything around us feels unjust. It keeps us from drifting toward the desires of the flesh and the illusion of worldly success.

So the question becomes:

Do you truly know Him? Do you trust Him—even when life doesn’t seem fair?

Jesus gives us this assurance:

“In the world you have tribulation and distress… but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 AMP

Remember, my friend:

We win.

The end of the story has already been written.

Reflection Question:

How would your perspective change today if you truly trusted that God’s promises are greater than what you see around you?

Have a blessed day,
Pastor Ken