The success of people who act in negative ways often stirs up mixed emotions in the hearts of those watching. Seeing a sinner thrive can lead to deep frustration, anger, or a hidden temptation to copy their ways in order to achieve similar success. Biblical guidance addresses these human reactions, offering a clear path on how to handle such a complex reality.
The primary approach among commentators is that there is a strict warning against mixing with, competing against, or wanting to be like these evildoers. A person must not join them out of a desire to imitate their actions [רש"י, אבן עזרא, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת דוד, עמנואל הרומי]. However, others understand this warning as a caution against anger and fury [אמרי דעת]. From this perspective, a person should not become angry or resentful that wicked people are succeeding while God does not seem to punish them [מלבי"ם]. Another viewpoint suggests this is a warning against quarreling and fighting with corrupt individuals, because the very act of fighting them can corrupt a person as well [רלב"ג].
Beyond this initial warning, there is a specific instruction against envying the material success of the wicked. Witnessing a corrupt person prosper can awaken jealousy, which might drag an observer to desire their ways and follow in their footsteps [רלב"ג, מלבי"ם, מצודת דוד]. Commentators note a difference between general evildoers and the wicked. Some explain that evildoers commit acts that are clearly bad to anyone watching, which naturally stirs up resentment and anger rather than envy [מלבי"ם]. A unique interpretation divides these sinners into two distinct groups: evildoers are those who harm other people, while the wicked are those whose sins are directed solely against God. Even if a person is zealous for the honor of God and wishes to strike at the wicked, he must be careful not to join forces with evildoers to achieve this. One must never use people who harm others as a tool to punish those who sin against God [אלשיך].
The deeper reason why it is wrong to compete with or envy these individuals lies in understanding their ultimate fate. The success of the wicked in this world is strictly temporary, and they have no good future ahead of them. All their prosperity, wealth, and greatness are compared to a candle that will eventually fade and burn out. While the soul of the righteous will shine brightly forever, the soul of the wicked will lose its strength and be condemned to darkness. Therefore, there is absolutely no reason to desire such fleeting success [עמנואל הרומי].