Proverbs 3:31
Proverbs 3:31 in Multiple Translations
Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways;
¶ Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.
Envy thou not the man of violence, And choose none of his ways.
Have no envy of the violent man, or take any of his ways as an example.
Don't be jealous of violent people—don't choose to follow their example!
Bee not enuious for the wicked man, neither chuse any of his wayes.
Be not envious of a man of violence, Nor fix thou on any of his ways.
Don’t envy the man of violence. Choose none of his ways.
Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.
Envy not the unjust man, and do not follow his ways:
Do not envy people who obtain things by violent actions, and do not imitate/do what they do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 3:31
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 3:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תְּ֭קַנֵּא
בְּ/אִ֣ישׁ
חָמָ֑ס
וְ/אַל
תִּ֝בְחַ֗ר
בְּ/כָל
דְּרָכָֽי/ו
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תְּ֭קַנֵּא
qânâʼ
H7065
be jealous
V-Piel-Juss-2ms
בְּ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-ms
חָמָ֑ס
châmâç
H2555
violence
N-ms
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Conj | Part
תִּ֝בְחַ֗ר
bâchar
H977
to choose
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
דְּרָכָֽי/ו
derek
H1870
way
N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 3:31
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תְּ֭קַנֵּא
qânâʼ
H7065
"be jealous"
V-Piel-Juss-2ms
To be jealous means to feel envious or resentful of someone or something, often because of a perceived threat or rivalry. In the Bible, jealousy is sometimes portrayed as a negative emotion, as in the story of Cain and Abel in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to envy, be jealous, be envious, be zealous 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to be jealous of 1a2) to be envious of 1a3) to be zealous for 1a4) to excite to jealous anger 1b) (Hiphil) to provoke to jealous anger, cause jealousy
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (be) envy(-ious), be (move to, provoke to) jealous(-y), [idiom] very, (be) zeal(-ous). See also: Genesis 26:14; Psalms 37:1; Psalms 73:3.
בְּ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
חָמָ֑ס
châmâç
H2555
"violence"
N-ms
This word describes violence, injustice, or cruelty, often referring to unfair treatment of others. In Isaiah and Jeremiah, it condemns oppressive behaviors, highlighting the need for justice and fairness. It involves wrongdoing and harm to others.
Definition: violence, wrong, cruelty, injustice
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, [idiom] oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong. See also: Genesis 6:11; Proverbs 10:11; Psalms 7:17.
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Conj | Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּ֝בְחַ֗ר
bâchar
H977
"to choose"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.
Definition: 1) to choose, elect, decide for 1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require. See also: Genesis 6:2; 2 Kings 23:27; Psalms 25:12.
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
דְּרָכָֽי/ו
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cp | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
Study Notes — Proverbs 3:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 3:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:31
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:31
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:31
- Sermons on Proverbs 3:31
Context — The Blessings of Wisdom
29Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he trustfully dwells beside you.
30Do not accuse a man without cause, when he has done you no harm.
31Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways;
32for the LORD detests the perverse, but He is a friend to the upright. 33The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the righteous.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 24:1 | Do not envy wicked men or desire their company; |
| 2 | Psalms 37:1 | Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. |
| 3 | Galatians 5:21 | and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 5:8 | If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be astonished at the matter; for one official is watched by a superior, and others higher still are over them. |
| 5 | Proverbs 23:17 | Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD. |
| 6 | Proverbs 12:12 | The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes. |
| 7 | Proverbs 24:19–20 | Do not fret over evildoers, and do not be envious of the wicked. For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished. |
| 8 | Proverbs 2:12–15 | to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perversity, from those who leave the straight paths to walk in the ways of darkness, from those who enjoy doing evil and rejoice in the twistedness of evil, whose paths are crooked and whose ways are devious. |
| 9 | Psalms 37:7–9 | Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm. For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. |
| 10 | Proverbs 1:15–18 | my son, do not walk the road with them or set foot upon their path. For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood. How futile it is to spread the net where any bird can see it! But they lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush their own lives. |
Proverbs 3:31 Summary
[Proverbs 3:31 warns us not to envy or desire the power and success of those who achieve their goals through violent or ungodly means. Instead, we should strive to be upright and righteous, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 32:4. By following God's ways, we will be blessed and experience His favor, as promised in Psalm 37:3-4. We can start by being mindful of the company we keep and the influences we allow in our lives, and instead, surround ourselves with people who exhibit godly character, as advised in Proverbs 13:20.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to envy a violent man in Proverbs 3:31?
Envy in this context means to desire or admire the power, status, or success of someone who achieves their goals through violent or ungodly means, as seen in Psalm 37:1-2, which warns against envying those who do wrong.
Why should we not choose the ways of a violent man?
We should not choose the ways of a violent man because they are contrary to God's nature and will, as stated in Proverbs 3:32, which says that the LORD detests the perverse, and instead, we should strive to be upright and righteous, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 32:4.
How can we recognize and avoid the influence of violent people in our lives?
We can recognize and avoid the influence of violent people by being mindful of their actions and words, and instead, surrounding ourselves with people who exhibit godly character, as advised in Proverbs 13:20, which says that whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
What is the consequence of following the ways of a violent man?
The consequence of following the ways of a violent man is that we will be detested by the LORD, as stated in Proverbs 3:32, and instead, we will face the curse of the LORD, as mentioned in Proverbs 3:33, which says that the curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be envying or admiring violent or ungodly behavior in my own life, and how can I turn away from it?
- How can I cultivate a heart that desires and admires godly character, rather than worldly success or power?
- What are some practical steps I can take to surround myself with people who exhibit godly character and to avoid the influence of violent or ungodly people?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my commitment to following God's ways, rather than the ways of the world, in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:31
Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. Envy thou not the oppressor - when he is in prosperity (Psalms 37:1) - literally, the man of violence.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:31
Envy thou not the oppressor, for his impunity and success in his wicked designs, and the wealth which he gains by his unrighteous practices. Choose none of his ways; for what men envy in others they seek to obtain for themselves.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:31
Proverbs 3:31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.Ver. 31. Envy not the oppressor.] That grows rich by unjust quarrels and vexatious lawsuits. It is not for nothing surely that our Saviour, after "who made me a judge?" adds, "Take heed and beware of covetousness." Implying that most men go to law with a covetous or a vindictive mind; whereas if they will needs wage law, they should do it as Charles the French King made war with our Henry VII, "more desiring peace, than profit or victory." It should be with men in this case as it was with Augustine and Jerome in their disputations: it was no matter who gained the day, they would both win by understanding their errors.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:31
Verse 31. Envy thou not the oppressor] O how bewitching is power! Every man desires it; and yet all hate tyrants. But query, if all had power, would not the major part be tyrants?
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:31
31. Envy thou not] The temporal rewards of wisdom, health (Proverbs 3:8), long life (Proverbs 3:16), riches and honour (ib.), as they may be withheld from thee (Proverbs 3:11-12), so may they be surpassed by the prosperity of the wicked; but let not the comparison of thy lot with his move thee to envy, for the true reward of wisdom is higher and surer (Proverbs 3:32-35). Psalms 73. illustrates these verses. oppressor] Lit. man of violence, R.V.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:31
31. Envy thou not the oppressor — Literally, the man of violence or wrong; who uses violent or wrong means to enrich himself: do not desire his unjust gains. Choose none of his ways — Modes of making money.
Sermons on Proverbs 3:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Wise Man Is Strong by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a story of a condemned man and his brother who visits him in prison. The condemned man expresses his hatred and bitterness towards those involv |
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Keeping Your Spirit Focused by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher encourages the audience not to worry or be envious of those who do wrong. He emphasizes the temporary nature of evil and compares it to withering grass |
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(Proverbs) ch.24:1 - 34 by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the dangers of worldliness and the importance of wisdom in building our lives and communities. He warns against the gradual intoxication of our hearts by worl |
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(Belarus) God Has Risen to Defend His Name by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes God's promises of provision and protection for his people. He highlights that God has promised that his people will never have to beg for br |
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An Old Doctor's Spiritual Prescription by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the fear and worry that people experience in a world filled with tension and uncertainty. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's pr |
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Blessed Are the Meek by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the Beatitudes in Matthew chapter 5, which describe the characteristics of a blessed life. He emphasizes that these qualities reflect confor |
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The Devil's Twins - Fret and Fear by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker expresses his frustration and anger towards a wicked and vile man. He talks about reaching a breaking point and wanting to take action against this pers |