1 Heb “evil men,” although the context indicates a generic sense.
2 The Hitpael jussive is from the verb that means “to crave; to desire.” This is more of a coveting, an intense desire.
3 This nineteenth saying warns against evil associations. Evil people are obsessed with destruction and trouble. See on this theme ; 3:31 and 23:17. D. Kidner observes that a close view of sinners is often a good antidote to envying them (Proverbs [], ).
4 The preposition בְּ (bet, “by; through”) in these two lines indicates means.
5 The twentieth saying, vv. 3–4, concerns the use of wisdom for domestic enterprises. In Prov 9:1 wisdom was personified as a woman who builds a house; but here the emphasis is primarily on the building—it is a sign of security and prosperity (C. H. Toy, Proverbs [], ). One could still make a secondary application from this line for a household or “family” (cf. , which sees this as a reference to the family).

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

Be not envious of evil men,

nor desire to be with them,

for their hearts devise violence,

and their lips talk of trouble.

By wisdom a house is built,

and by understanding it is established;

by knowledge the rooms are filled

with all precious and pleasant riches.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

Do not envy the wicked,

do not desire their company;

for their hearts plot violence,

and their lips talk about making trouble.

By wisdom a house is built,

and through understanding it is established;

through knowledge its rooms are filled

with rare and beautiful treasures.

CSBChristian Standard Bible

Don’t envy the evil

or desire to be with them,

for their hearts plan violence,

and their words stir up trouble.

A house is built by wisdom,

and it is established by understanding;

by knowledge the rooms are filled

with every precious and beautiful treasure.

NLTNew Living Translation

Don’t envy evil people

or desire their company.

For their hearts plot violence,

and their words always stir up trouble.

A house is built by wisdom

and becomes strong through good sense.

Through knowledge its rooms are filled

with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

Do not envy men of evil,

and do not desire to be with them.

For their minds will devise violence,

and their lips will speak mischief.

By wisdom a house is built,

and by understanding it is established.

And by knowledge, rooms are filled

with all riches, precious and pleasant.

KJV 1900King James Version

Be not thou envious against evil men,

Neither desire to be with them.

For their heart studieth destruction,

And their lips talk of mischief.

Through wisdom is an house builded;

And by understanding it is established:

And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled

With all precious and pleasant riches.

Public Domain