Proverbs 3:34 kjv

Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.

Proverbs 3:34 nkjv

Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble.

Proverbs 3:34 niv

He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.

Proverbs 3:34 esv

Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.

Proverbs 3:34 nlt

The LORD mocks the mockers
but is gracious to the humble.

Proverbs 3 verses

Proverbs 3 34 Meaning

Proverbs 3:34 encapsulates a foundational principle of divine justice and favor: the Most High God actively opposes those who mock or disdain His wisdom and ways, characterized by arrogance, yet bestows His unmerited favor and blessings upon those who are humble and meek in spirit. It reveals a clear distinction in how God interacts with different heart attitudes.

Proverbs 3 34 Context

Proverbs chapter 3 is a comprehensive exhortation from a father (or wisdom itself) to his son to embrace divine wisdom and walk in God's ways. The chapter emphasizes trusting in the Lord with all one's heart (v. 5-6), honoring God with one's wealth (v. 9-10), accepting divine discipline (v. 11-12), and the priceless value of wisdom (v. 13-18). It outlines the blessings that come from living wisely, such as long life, prosperity, security, and guidance.

Verse 34 stands within a section (v. 31-35) that contrasts the path and fate of the wicked/perverse with that of the upright. Immediately preceding, verses 31-32 warn against envying violent men, as the perverse are an abomination to the Lord, but He shares His counsel with the upright. Verse 33 notes that God's curse is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the just. Verse 34 then extends this contrast, showing God's active response to both the scornful and the humble. The historical-cultural context reinforces the emphasis on communal harmony and reverence for established order and divine authority. Scorners were seen as a disruptive, rebellious element against wisdom and social fabric, while humility was a highly valued trait aligning with piety and deference to elders and God.

Proverbs 3 34 Word analysis

• Surely he scorns (לָכֵן הוּא יָלִיץ - lāḵēn hû’ yālîṣ):

  • לָכֵן (lāḵēn): A connective particle meaning "therefore," "thus," "surely," indicating a consequence or emphasis. It grounds the divine action.
  • הוּא (hû’): "He," referring to God.
  • יָלִיץ (yālîṣ): The Piel imperfect form of the verb לִיץ (lîṣ), meaning "to mock," "scoff," "deride." Here, it signifies God's active, reciprocal derision. It is not an emotional outburst but a divinely determined opposition and ultimate reversal of the scoffer's arrogance upon themselves. God "out-scoffs" the scoffers, exposing their foolishness. This highlights God's righteous judgment against their contempt.

• the scorners (לַלֵּצִים - lallēṣîm):

  • לַלֵּצִים (lallēṣîm): The plural form of לֵץ (lēṣ), a "scoffer," "mocker," or "arrogant one." A lēṣ is not merely someone who jests, but one who proudly dismisses wisdom, spiritual truth, and divine authority. They are resistant to instruction (Prov 9:7-8) and filled with a spirit of disdain for what is good and true (Prov 21:24). This contemptuous attitude is what provokes God's opposition.

• but he giveth grace (וְלַעֲנָוִים יִתֶּן חֵן - wəla‘ănāwîm yittēn ḥēn):

  • וְלַעֲנָוִים (wəla‘ănāwîm): "And to the lowly" or "and to the humble." The plural form of עָנָיו (‘ānāw).
  • יִתֶּן (yittēn): The Qal imperfect form of the verb נָתַן (nāṯan), meaning "to give," "bestow." Denotes a continuous or characteristic action of God.
  • חֵן (ḥēn): "Grace," "favor," "charm," "kindness." It refers to unmerited divine blessing, support, and acceptance. It signifies God's generous and loving disposition toward those who exhibit the opposite character of the scoffer.

• unto the lowly (לַלֵּצִים - lallēṣîm and עֲנָוִים - ‘ănāwîm):

  • This translation reorders the Hebrew, which literally reads "and to the humble He gives grace."
  • עֲנָוִים (‘ănāwîm): The "lowly," "humble," "meek," or "afflicted." This term encompasses those who are conscious of their dependence on God, modest in spirit, submissive to His will, and willing to learn. Their humility is often contrasted with the arrogance of the scoffers, making them receptive to God's wisdom and teaching.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Surely he scorns the scorners": This phrase emphasizes the active and retributive nature of God's response. It is not mere disapproval, but a deliberate reversal of the scoffer's posture, exposing their folly and turning their arrogance back upon them. It signifies divine judgment that corresponds to the initial action, a measure-for-measure principle.
• "but he giveth grace unto the lowly": This contrasting phrase highlights God's benevolence and favoritism. While He stands in opposition to the proud, His hand of blessing and undeserved favor rests upon those who are humble and receptive. This demonstrates that divine blessing is conditioned on the posture of the heart, aligning with God's character as one who elevates the humble.

Proverbs 3 34 Bonus section

This proverb illustrates a principle of divine justice often observed throughout the Bible: the very behavior one directs towards others, or towards God Himself, can be reciprocated by the divine hand. The scorn a scoffer directs is eventually returned by God's own 'scorn', leading to their downfall or the exposure of their foolishness. Conversely, the humility shown towards God and others attracts God's grace and lifting. This principle reveals God as an active participant in human affairs, discerning the heart's posture and responding accordingly, thereby upholding righteousness and promoting virtues essential for genuine flourishing. It underscores that God does not bless based on worldly status or intellectual prowess but on the inner disposition of the spirit.

Proverbs 3 34 Commentary

Proverbs 3:34 is a succinct declaration of a fundamental spiritual law: God's opposition to pride and His benevolence towards humility. The "scorners" are not casual jest-makers but those entrenched in an arrogant spirit, willfully disregarding wisdom, despising correction, and rejecting God's counsel. Their defining characteristic is spiritual insolence. To these, God responds not passively, but actively "scorns" them—meaning He undermines their presumed wisdom, brings their proud schemes to naught, and ultimately reveals the foolishness of their ways. His scorn is a righteous judgment that exposes their arrogance.

Conversely, "the lowly" are the humble, the meek, and those who recognize their dependence on God and His truth. They are teachable, receptive to correction, and possess a contrite spirit. To these, God "gives grace." This grace is not just mercy but active favor, unmerited blessing, divine empowerment, and a preferential disposition. This principle is foundational throughout Scripture, echoed clearly in the New Testament (James 4:6, 1 Pet 5:5), demonstrating God's consistent character from Genesis to Revelation. It assures that true exaltation comes not from self-promotion, but from sincere humility before the Creator. This verse serves as both a warning against destructive pride and an invitation to life-giving humility.