Here, 1. The caution given is much the same with that which we had
before (ch. xxiii. 17), not to envy sinners, not to think them happy,
nor to wish ourselves in their condition, though they prosper ever so
much in this world, and are ever so merry and ever so secure. "Let not
such a thought ever come into thy mind, O that I could shake off the
restraints of religion and conscience, and take as great a liberty to
indulge the sensual appetite, as I see such and such do! No; desire not
to be with them, to do as they do and fare as they fare, and to cast in
thy lot among them." 2. Here is another reason given for this caution:
"Be not envious against them, not only because their end will be had,
but because their way is so, v. 2. Do not think with them, for their
heart studies destruction to others, but it will prove destruction to
themselves. Do not speak like them, for their lips talk of their
mischief. All they say has an ill tendency, to dishonour God, reproach
religion, or wrong their neighbour; but it will be mischief to
themselves at last. It is therefore thy wisdom to have nothing to do
with them. Nor hast thou any reason to look upon them with envy, but
with pity rather, or a just indignation at their wicked practices."