Sayings of the Wise - #14 Invest Hope—Do Not Envy Sinners (Prov. 23:17–18)

Saying 14 
Invest Hope—Do Not Envy Sinners

Proverbs 23:17–18 (NASB 1995)

“Do not let your heart envy sinners,

But live in the fear of the Lord always.

Surely there is a future,

And your hope will not be cut off.”

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🌸 Intro to Lady Wisdom Round Table

(A quiet afternoon. Four women gather around a table. Journals open, tea cups warm their hands. Lady Wisdom enters, calm yet radiant.)

Lady Wisdom:
Welcome, my friends.
Today, we’ll explore a saying that reaches the hidden corners of our hearts.
It warns us about envy—not just the envy that wants what others have,
but the envy that questions whether God remembers us.
Let’s talk about that honestly.
Has envy ever whispered to your heart—not loud, but lingering?

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💬 The Discussion

1️⃣ Maren Speaks

There was a time I didn’t even know I was envious.
It wasn’t over possessions or people—it was peace.
Others seemed so sure of themselves, and I quietly wished I could be that certain.
But through this verse, I realized envy doesn’t always shout—it sighs.
When God said, “Your hope will not be cut off,” I knew He saw me too.
Even slow progress is still holy progress.
My heart rests better now, trusting His pace instead of resenting theirs.

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2️⃣ Lila Shares

I remember feeling left behind when friends were being noticed, invited, celebrated.
I told myself I was happy for them—and I was—but part of me felt invisible.
Then I read, “Live in the fear of the Lord always,” and it clicked:
when my focus is upward, not outward, I don’t crave what others get.
God reminded me that joy isn’t about being seen—it’s about seeing Him clearly.
Now I celebrate more freely, because I know His eyes never miss me.

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3️⃣ Raina Speaks

For me, envy sounded like frustration.
I worked hard, gave my best, but doors opened for others first.
I told myself I was just being responsible—but I was comparing pace and outcome.
Then this verse challenged me: “Do not let your heart envy sinners.”
It reminded me that shortcuts don’t last and that striving without surrender leads nowhere.
Now I measure progress by obedience, not applause.
Peace is winning God’s way, not the fast way.

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4️⃣ Selah Reflects

I’ve always searched for meaning and fairness.
It troubled me when careless people seemed to prosper while others who did right suffered.
But one day the Spirit highlighted: “Surely there is a future.”
It changed how I see everything.
God’s justice may feel delayed, but it’s never denied.
I’ve stopped comparing stories and started trusting the Author.
Hope steadies me when my questions run deep.

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🕊 Lady Wisdom Expounds

Lady Wisdom:
You’ve each touched a piece of a greater truth.
Envy wears many disguises—comparison, frustration, even silent longing.
But the remedy is not effort—it’s awe.
The fear of the Lord is not terror but wonder.
When your eyes stay fixed on His faithfulness, you stop fearing being forgotten.

Remember these three truths, daughters of understanding:
1️⃣ Fear the Lord — Reverence re-centers your gaze.
2️⃣ Practice gratitude — It guards your heart from comparison.
3️⃣ Anchor hope — It secures your soul in every season.

When you envy another’s harvest, you neglect your own garden.
Water the soil of your life with trust.
In due time, your hope will bloom—and no one can cut it off.

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🌿 Closing Exhortation

Lady Wisdom:
My daughters, envy says, “Look at her.”
Wisdom says, “Look at Him (God)”
When your eyes stay on God, your joy no longer depends on others’ outcomes.
Let your hearts be wise, your hopes steady, and your lips speak what is right.
You are not behind—you are becoming.

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💭 Reflection Question

Share in the comments which woman’s sharing in the class resonated with your primary temperament.

Type, or copy and paste, one of the following answers in the comments.

If you wish to Go Deep, add a short note about why it spoke to you.

 1️⃣ Maren’s Reflection

I related deeply to Maren’s words.
I don’t always voice envy—I just feel it quietly when others move faster or shine brighter.
This verse helped me realize that even my slower pace is part of God’s plan.
“Your hope will not be cut off” reminds me that my story is unfolding right on time.
I’m learning to rest instead of rush, to trust rather than compare.

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2️⃣ Lila’s Reflection

Lila’s sharing spoke straight to my heart.
I’ve often felt happy for others but quietly wondered, “When will it be my turn?”
Envy sometimes sneaks in as loneliness, not greed.
But when I focus on God’s gaze instead of people’s applause, I feel seen and secure.
I’m learning that joy grows deeper when it’s rooted in gratitude, not recognition.

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3️⃣ Raina’s Reflection

Raina’s honesty hit home for me.
I know what it’s like to work hard and wonder why others reap sooner.
This verse challenges me to measure success differently—to ask, “Was I faithful?” not “Was I first?”
Envy can wear the mask of drive, but real peace comes when I surrender results to God.
I’m learning that obedience is my victory, even when outcomes take time.

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4️⃣ Selah’s Reflection

Selah’s reflection mirrored my quiet struggles.
I’ve wrestled with the fairness of life, especially when the undeserving seem to prosper.
But this verse reminded me that God’s justice isn’t absent—it’s simply patient.
“Surely there is a future” helps me rest in the unseen promises of God.
I’m learning that trust outlasts comparison and peace grows when I let God’s timing be enough.

A great day to everyone!