Don't be envious of evil men; neither desire to be with them:
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for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about mischief.
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Through wisdom a house is built; by understanding it is established;
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by knowledge the rooms are filled with all rare and beautiful treasure.
Proverbs 24:1 — Frequently Asked Questions
7 questions
What does Proverbs 24:1 say?
Proverbs 24:1 in the World English Bible reads: “Don't be envious of evil men; neither desire to be with them:”
Where is Proverbs 24:1 in the Bible?
Proverbs 24:1 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 24, verse 1.
Who wrote Proverbs?
Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon (primarily), with sections by Agur and Lemuel. It was written c. 970–700 BC.
What is the book of Proverbs about?
Proverbs is practical wisdom for everyday life — short, vivid sayings on speech, work, money, friendship, sex, parenting, and the fear of the LORD. It teaches that wisdom is not mere cleverness but a way of walking with God in a complicated world.
What are the major themes of Proverbs?
Proverbs explores themes including Wisdom, Folly, Fear of the LORD, Discipline, Speech, Diligence. These themes shape the meaning and context of Proverbs 24:1.
What translation should I read Proverbs 24:1 in?
Proverbs 24:1 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Proverbs 24:1?
Proverbs 24:1 reads (WEB): “Don't be envious of evil men; neither desire to be with them:” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.