Paragraph 24:19–20 Saying 29

In this saying, the teacher advises the young man not to become emotionally disturbed at the temporary prosperity of wicked people (24:19). The reason is that they will not have a good future (24:20).

24:19

These parallel lines are similar in meaning:

19a Do not fret over evildoers,

19b and do not be envious of the wicked.

The terms in bold print have the same meaning. Verse 24:19b has the same meaning as 24:1a. See the notes there. The whole verse is almost identical to Psalm 37:1.

24:19a–b

Do not fret…do not be envious: In the OT, the command Do not fret is always associated with envy at the prosperity or success of wicked people.

In some languages, it may be necessary to make explicit that the anger or resentment is caused by the prosperity of the wicked. It is not caused by their evil deeds. For example:

Do not become annoyed ⌊when⌋ evil people ⌊prosper⌋ .

Do not envy their ⌊success⌋ .

24:19a

Do not fret: In Hebrew, the form of the verb that is used here means “to become upset or resentful.” A person who “frets” allows himself to become emotionally agitated or hot with anger. Another way to translate this command is:

Do not get overly upset with evildoers (God’s Word)

Some languages may have idioms that express this kind of emotion.

General Comment on 24:19a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder the parallel parts in these lines. See 24:19a–b (combined/reordered) in the Display.

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