“For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; and they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble.” (Proverbs 4:14-19, NASB)

In the past, viewers of movies and TV shows could quickly recognize who the heroes were and support them. Over time, however, this shifted, and audiences started rooting for villains, making them the main stars, heroes, or leading characters. Filmmakers did this by making the bad guys the underdogs, likeable characters, and the hardships they endure identifiable with the audience. However, in reality, we all know that bad guys can’t be good guys, and they should not be cheered on. We overlook their bad behaviors, such as killing, immoral acts, filthy mouths, arrogant attitudes, and godless life philosophies, all because they are likable. However, the truth is bad guys are bad guys, no matter how likable they are. Today’s reading highlights this truth without sugarcoating it. Solomon writes,

“Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not proceed in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not pass by it; turn away from it and pass on. For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; and they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.”

These words cut right through all the special effects, emotion-stirring music, sympathetic screenplays, and charismatic actors and actresses. It leaves a bad taste in our mouths, revealing the truth: there is no such thing as a good bad guy. The description of the bad guy in verses 16-17 is raw. Bad guys “cannot sleep unless they do evil,” and they are “robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble.” For them, sin is not a mistake but an intentional course of life. Notice that they cannot “sleep” well unless they do evil or hurt people around them. In other words, instead of finding rest in peace and security, they find rest in wicked deeds, violence, and bloodshed. They cannot find rest like normal people. It reveals that something is broken inside and sees good as bad and bad as good. It also says that they “eat the bread of wickedness” and “drink the wine of violence.” This description implies that they derive sustenance or energy from committing evil deeds. They find pleasure and entertainment in acts of wickedness and become satisfied when their plans succeed.

How does a person become like this? In my opinion, it is because the characteristics of evil are addictive. Sin presents itself as desirable and initially provides exhilaration. However, as people do more and more sinful things, the experience of pleasure becomes less and less. They end up doing more and more to experience the high they want. Such are the characteristics of the addition of drugs, alcohol, sex, and power.

The words from heaven warn against walking with such people and outline the consequences of befriending them. I love how verses 18-19 summarize their end: “The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.” The contrast is clear. The “path of the righteous” is like the first gleam of dawn. It doesn’t just stay a dim light, but becomes “brighter and brighter,” until the full light of day. It indicates that our understanding will become increasingly wise, and our vision clearer and purposeful. Imagine the light shining brightly in the middle of the day. God promises that our understanding of things will become clear in such a way. On the other hand, “the way of the wicked” is like deep darkness, where they don’t even know what they are tripping over. In other words, their understanding will become so dark, dull, and blind that they don’t even know they are making huge mistakes until they are in ruin. God’s words present truth directly, offering clear warnings and consequences. Life is a series of paths, and the most important decision we will make is the first step we take in those paths.

• How do you think the people got to be who they are as described in verses 16-17?
• How can we teach ourselves not to cheer for the “bad guys” and follow the path of the righteous?