Proverbs 3:31

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

Proverbs 3:31 in Other Translations

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

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

31 Don’t envy violent people or copy their ways.

31 Don't try to be like those who shoulder their way through life. Why be a bully?

31 Don't envy a violent man or choose any of his ways;

Proverbs 3:31 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 3:31

Envy thou not the oppressor
The man that gets wealth and riches by acts of injustice, by oppressing the poor, by rapine and violence; do not envy his prosperity, and the substance he is possessed of; do not wish to be in his place and circumstances, to enjoy his affluence and ease; do not look upon his happiness with an envious eye and a fretting heart; he is far from being a happy man; his end will be bad; see ( Psalms 37:1 Psalms 37:7 ) ; and choose none of his ways;
which he has used to get his riches in; do not follow him in them; for should you do as he has done, and get ever so much, since this would be with the loss of your souls, of what advantage would it be? He makes the best choice that chooses the "good part" that shall not be taken away, ( Luke 10:42 ) ; Christ, and the ways of Christ.

Proverbs 3:31 In-Context

29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.

30 Do not accuse anyone for no reason— when they have done you no harm.

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

32 For the LORD detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence.

33 The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.

Cross References

• 1. S Psalms 37:1; Proverbs 24:1-2