Proverbs 3:31

31 Don’t envy violent people or copy their 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 Don’t plot harm against your neighbor, for those who live nearby trust you.
30 Don’t pick a fight without reason, when no one has done you harm.
31 Don’t envy violent people or copy their ways.
32 Such wicked people are detestable to the LORD, but he offers his friendship to the godly.
33 The LORD curses the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the upright.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.