Wisdom teaches us that although it may seem that the path of evil is good and sometimes enviable, we should not choose any of its paths, since God does not approve of it. Many times, the way of the wicked appears attractive because it seems to offer quick success, material gain, and recognition. However, Scripture continually warns us that appearances are deceptive and that the end of such a path leads to destruction rather than true fulfillment.
The book of Proverbs was written precisely to guide the people of God in discernment, helping them distinguish between what looks profitable in the moment and what is truly righteous in the eyes of the Lord. Wisdom does not merely provide information; it shapes character. It teaches us to see life from God’s perspective and to resist the temptation of shortcuts that compromise integrity and obedience.
The evil man chooses the path of wickedness to benefit himself and to boast in his own strength. His actions are driven by selfish ambition rather than reverence for God. Scripture describes him as one whose heart is perverse, meaning twisted, corrupted, and resistant to truth. Because his heart is far from the Lord, his words reflect inner disorder, often spreading deceit, pride, and harm to others.
This type of person may appear successful for a season. He may gain wealth, influence, or admiration, causing the righteous to question why obedience sometimes seems less rewarding. Yet wisdom reminds us that prosperity without God is temporary and empty. What the wicked gains outwardly is overshadowed by what he loses inwardly: peace, integrity, and fellowship with the Lord.
That is why, if we are righteous, we should not envy the way of such people. Envy subtly shifts our focus away from God’s promises and toward human comparison. When we begin to envy the wicked, our hearts become vulnerable to compromise. Scripture consistently teaches that envy opens the door to sin and blinds us to the long-term consequences of disobedience.
As this proverb reminds us, our Lord knows how to judge the evil man. God’s justice is never delayed or forgotten, even if it seems slow from a human perspective. The apparent success of the wicked is not evidence of divine approval, but often a test of faith for the righteous. God sees the heart, weighs motives, and judges with perfect righteousness.
For the froward is abomination to the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous.
Proverbs 3:32
This verse presents a striking contrast. The “froward,” or perverse person, is described as an abomination to the Lord. This strong language emphasizes how seriously God views moral corruption and deliberate rebellion. God does not merely dislike wickedness; He stands in direct opposition to it because it destroys what He created as good.
In contrast, the verse tells us that God’s secret, or intimate counsel, is with the righteous. This reveals a beautiful truth: those who walk in obedience enjoy closeness with God. While the wicked may boast publicly, the righteous receive something far greater—communion with the Lord, guidance through His wisdom, and assurance of His presence.
It is very clear from these words of wisdom that if we imitate what the evil man does, our God will bring judgment upon us as well. God does not practice favoritism. He judges actions according to truth, regardless of a person’s background or claims of faith. To follow the path of the wicked is to invite the same consequences that await them.
God knows the heart of the evil man, and therefore he will be punished in due time. Judgment may come in various forms—loss, exposure, inner emptiness, or eternal separation from God. Though the wicked may appear secure for a while, Scripture assures us that their foundation is unstable and their end is sorrowful.
At the same time, God also knows the heart of the righteous. He sees their struggles, their faithfulness, and their quiet obedience. That is why He instructs us clearly: “Depart from the evil man, do not imitate him or envy him.” Separation from evil is not about arrogance or isolation, but about guarding one’s heart and remaining faithful to God’s standards.
The blessing of the Lord for the righteous is not fleeting or temporary. Unlike worldly success, which fades, God’s blessing lasts forever. It may not always appear as wealth or recognition, but it manifests as peace, stability, purpose, and eternal hope. The righteous are sustained by God’s favor, even in times of difficulty.
This teaching challenges believers to examine their desires and motivations. Do we measure success by God’s approval or by human standards? Wisdom calls us to trust that obedience, though sometimes costly, is always worthwhile. God’s rewards surpass anything this world can offer.
Brothers in Christ, if we observe people who display a bad attitude, act unjustly, and yet seem to prosper, let us not envy them or become imitators of their behavior. Appearances can be deceiving, and temporary success is not a sign of lasting blessing. God does not delight in injustice, and He will not overlook it.
Instead, let us remain steadfast in righteousness, trusting in the wisdom of the Lord. Our calling is not to compete with the wicked, but to reflect the character of Christ in humility, integrity, and faithfulness. God honors those who honor Him, even when the path of obedience seems narrow.
In the end, the way of the righteous leads to life, peace, and eternal fellowship with God, while the way of the wicked leads to ruin. May we choose wisely, guided by the Word of God, and may our hearts remain aligned with His will. God bless you.