#1305. Proverbs 3:31–35 – Avoid envy of the violent (11/7/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional where we are continuing in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs. 

Today, from Proverbs 3:31-35, we reflect on how we can avoid the trap of envy by understanding true success. 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below. 

Envy is ever crouching at our door. Envy of the ungodly who seem to be successful is easy to fall into. Suffering, or having loved ones suffering, whilst wicked people seem to be healthy, wealthy, and well, can make us ask questions of God’s integrity. 

Envy is not only dangerous in making us jealous and angry; it can also inspire us to imitate those who seem to be successful - ‘If we can’t beat them, join them!’ We can start to imitate how they promote themselves and the methods they use. Christians can imitate dubious financial wisdom, seek attention on social media through ungodly means; church leaders can tailor their message to suit the ‘customer’. 

Envy is simply an invitation to false worship. It’s an attraction to serve the wrong God. The word ‘envy’ can be translated as ‘Zeal’ - envy in an invitation to misplaced zeal. This is why it’s so vital to maintain a close relationship with God in His Word and prayer. Envy of the wicked is quenched in the light of God’s attitude to such people. These are strong words: ‘…the Lord detests…The Lord’s curse is on…He mocks proud mockers…fools get only shame.’ Do we really want to become such people? Do we really want to offend God for the sake of a mockery of success? 

In contrast, those who will refuse fake success and walk with God are described: ‘The Lord… takes the upright into his confidence…he blesses the home of the righteous…shows favour to the humble and oppressed. The wise inherit honour…’ Being right with God is true success. It’s so important when we are tempted to envy and imitate the ungodly that we recall that true success is being right with God. Walking with God is true life. 

Let’s pray together 

“Father, forgive me when I’ve been envious. Forgive me for my discontent. Help me to seek to be successful in your eyes. Like you, Lord Jesus, may I live to please the Father. Amen.” 

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

Week #5. Proverbs 3:16-35. The God of creation knows about true life and wisdom. 

1. What themes stand out in this week’s section? Identify key ideas and repeated patterns. What is the focus of this section?

2. What promises does God offer, and what warnings does He give? Look for specific encouragements, blessings, or cautions in the text.

3. How does this speak into our lives today? What are the practical ways we could live this out — individually, in our families, in our community?

4. How is God calling you to respond? Consider what this means for your heart, your choices, and your direction.

5. SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How might the wisdom in this week's section of Proverbs help us to be a light for Jesus?

• Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

  
  

6. Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the 'people of peace' in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.