Proverbs 3:31 kjv

Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.

Proverbs 3:31 nkjv

Do not envy the oppressor, And choose none of his ways;

Proverbs 3:31 niv

Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways.

Proverbs 3:31 esv

Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways,

Proverbs 3:31 nlt

Don't envy violent people
or copy their ways.

Proverbs 3 verses

Proverbs 3 31 Meaning

Proverbs 3:31 instructs believers to refrain from envying those who gain power or wealth through violent, unjust, or wrongful means. It further warns against adopting or imitating the methods, lifestyles, or ethical principles employed by such individuals. This verse underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and reliance on God, even when the unrighteous appear to prosper.

Proverbs 3 31 Context

Proverbs 3, as part of the book of Wisdom Literature, focuses on practical counsel for righteous living, urging a deep trust in the Lord and obedience to His commands. The chapter begins by advocating for attentiveness to wisdom's teaching, promising long life, peace, and favor (vv. 1-4). It stresses reliance on God rather than self-understanding (vv. 5-6), encourages humility and honoring God with possessions (vv. 7-10), and presents God's discipline as a sign of His love (vv. 11-12). The blessings and incomparable value of wisdom are then extolled (vv. 13-20). From verse 21 onwards, the proverbs shift to specific moral instructions, cautioning against harming neighbors, being quarrelsome, and engaging in laziness. Proverbs 3:31 specifically addresses a common human temptation: to be swayed by the apparent success of those who disregard moral boundaries. It serves as a stark reminder that while evil may seem to prosper, its foundation is corrupt, and its end is perilous. This counsel would have resonated in ancient Near Eastern societies, where power was often seized through force and unjust practices, tempting observers to mimic such methods for personal gain.

Proverbs 3 31 Word analysis

• Do not envy (Hebrew: ’al-ṯəqannēʾ - אַל־תְּקַנֵּא):
  • ’al is a strong negative prohibition ("do not").
  • qana (קָנָא) carries a spectrum of meanings, including "be jealous," "be envious," "be zealous." In this context, it unequivocally denotes a negative, covetous envy. It’s not just observing but having a deep desire for what someone else has, particularly when obtained wrongly. This type of envy is linked to the breaking of the tenth commandment, "You shall not covet."
• the oppressor (Hebrew: ʾîš ḥāmās - אִישׁ חָמָס):
  • ’îš means "man" or "person."
  • ḥāmās (חָמָס) is a powerful term signifying "violence," "wrong," "injustice," "cruelty," "unrighteous gain." This is not merely someone who acts violently but someone whose character or way of life is violence or injustice. It emphasizes that the success of such a person is built on foundational wrong. The term appeared in Gen 6:11 regarding the earth being "filled with violence" before the flood.
• nor choose (Hebrew: wəʾal-tivḥar - וְאַל־תִּבְחַר):
  • wə means "and" or "nor."
  • ʾal again signifies prohibition.
  • baḥar (בָּחַר) means "to choose," "select," "prefer." This indicates a deliberate, conscious decision. It warns against intentionally aligning oneself with the wicked or their practices.
• any of his ways (Hebrew: bəḵol-dəraḵāw - בְּכָל־דְּרָכָיו):
  • bəḵol means "in all," "in any," "in every." It emphasizes comprehensiveness.
  • derek (דֶּרֶךְ) means "way," "path," "manner of life," "conduct." It refers to one's entire course of action, behavior, principles, and methods. It's not just avoiding specific evil deeds but rejecting the whole unrighteous system and lifestyle.

Words-group analysis:

• "Do not envy the oppressor": This phrase addresses the internal temptation to desire the superficial gains or position of someone who acquired them through unjust means. It speaks to the heart's disposition. The prosperity of the wicked is often fleeting or comes with hidden curses, even if appearing grand to human eyes.
• "nor choose any of his ways": This phrase then addresses the external manifestation of that envy – the temptation to adopt the methods of the oppressor. It’s a warning against moral compromise, where one might reason that unrighteousness is a viable path to success or power. This encompasses not only specific actions but the underlying moral framework and values of the wicked person.

Proverbs 3 31 Bonus section

The Hebrew term ḥāmās (violence/oppression) for the "oppressor" in this verse is highly significant, marking the individual as inherently rooted in wrong rather than just having committed isolated acts of wrongdoing. This contrasts sharply with God's derek (way/path), which is always just and true. Choosing the oppressor's "ways" implies abandoning God's moral standards. This warning is a specific application of a broader Biblical principle: believers are called to be separate from the world's systems and values (e.g., Rom 12:2). Furthermore, envying the wicked reveals a lack of faith in God's sovereignty and His ultimate justice. It demonstrates a short-sighted focus on earthly gains rather than eternal rewards and true prosperity found in obedience to God.

Proverbs 3 31 Commentary

Proverbs 3:31 delivers a dual prohibition against the destructive influences of the unrighteous: first, a warning against the internal sin of envy, and second, against the external act of adopting their corrupt methods. The verse acknowledges the real-world temptation of witnessing wicked individuals prosper through violent or unjust means, which can breed covetousness in the hearts of those striving for righteousness. However, divine wisdom firmly declares that such envy is futile and spiritually perilous. To "envy the oppressor" means to desire his ill-gotten gains or perceived power. This state of heart leads inevitably to a dangerous inclination to "choose his ways," believing that their crooked path can lead to similar outcomes. The book of Psalms, particularly Psalm 37 and 73, provides a profound commentary on this, revealing that while the wicked may flourish temporarily, their end is destruction. God's judgment, though sometimes delayed, is certain. The counsel here is not merely pragmatic but profoundly spiritual: the follower of God must remain distinct, their path defined by integrity and trust in the Lord, rather than being lured by the superficial successes of ungodliness. This verse encourages patient endurance in righteousness, trusting God’s justice and providence over the short-term gains of corruption.