Proverbs 3:31

31 Do not envy a man of violence, and do not 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] dwells in confidence beside you.

30 Do not quarrel with anyone without cause, when he did not do you harm.

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

32 for he who is perverse [is] an abomination of Yahweh, but those who are upright [are] his confidence.

33 The curse of Yahweh [is] on the house of the wicked, and the abode of the righteous ones he blesses.