Proverbs 3:34
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
His relation to men is determined by their relation to Him. As for the scorners, He scorneth them, But to the lowly He giveth grace. Most interpreters render the verse thus: "If the scorner He (even He, in return) scorneth, so He (on the other hand) giveth grace to the lowly." For the sequence of the words in the consequence, in which the precedence of the verb is usual, e.g., Lev 12:5, we are referred to Pro 23:18, cf. Pro 24:14; but why had the poet placed the two facts in the relation of condition and consequence? The one fact is not the consequence but the reverse of the other, and accordingly they are opposed to each other in coordinated passages, Psa 18:26. The Vav in such antitheses has generally the meaning of "and on the other hand," e.g., Job 8:20, while the lxx, Targ., Syriac, and Jerome altogether pass over the אם as if it did not exist. Ziegler translates: "Truly! the scorner He scorneth;" but an affirmative אם does not exist, the asseveration after the manner of an oath is negative. Bertheau's expedient would be more acceptable, by which he makes the whole of Pro 3:34 the protasis to Pro 3:35; but if this were intended, another subject would not enter into Pro 3:35. Thus 34a and 34b are two independent parallel passages; אם־ללּצים is the protasis: if as regards the scorners, i.e., if His conduct is directed to the scorners, so He scorneth. The ל denotes relation, and in this elliptical usage is like the ל of superscription, e.g., Jer 23:9. הוּא is the emphatic αὐτός: He on the contrary, and in a decisive way (Ewald, 314ab). Instead of יליץ fo there might have been used יליצם (for הליץ, where it occurs as a governing word, has the accusative, Pro 19:28; Psa 119:51), but we do not miss the object: if it relates to scorners (thus also Lwenstein translates), so it is He in return who scorneth. The lxx renders it: κύριος ὑπερηφάνοις ἀντιτάσσεται, ταπεινοῖς δὲ δίδωσι χάριν; cf. Jam 4:6; Pe1 5:5. הוּא is used as a name of God (Deutsch. Morgenl. Zeitschr. xvi. 400), on which account it is rendered like יהוה by κύριος. A ὑπερήφανος (appearing above others, i.e., overbearing) is the לץ, according to the definition Pro 21:24. the expression of the talio is generalized in ἀντιτάσσεται (resists them). For עניים the Kerı̂ has ענוים: ענו (from ענה, the ground-form ענו, Arab. 'anaw) is the lowly (ταπεινός), or he who bends himself, i.e., the gentle and humble, the patient, and the passive עני, he who is bowed down, the suffering; but the limits of the conception are moveable, since in עני is presupposed the possession of fruit-virtues gained in the school of affliction.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The retribution of sinners, as in Psa 18:26.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Surely he scorneth the scorners,.... That make a mock at sin, a jest of religion, that scoff at the doctrines of the Gospel and the professors of it; these the Lord looks upon, laughs at, and has them in derision. The Greek version and two apostles render it, "he resisteth the proud", Pe1 5:5. Such who are haughty and arrogant, that exalt themselves and despise others; as those of a pharisaical spirit are and do, are abhorred and despised by the Lord; he sets himself against them, is their enemy, "and scatters them in the imagination of their hearts", Luk 1:51. L'Empereur observes (l) that this version is quite agreeable to the Hebrew text and the sense of Jewish writers: R. Alshech says, that rendered "scorners", are such who will not look upon the divine Being, but go on boldly in sin, as if there was no God; and Kimchi explains the word by who exalt themselves, or are proud; and because proud men yield to none, but resist others, hence the verb is used, by the Septuagint, to resist; agreeably to which the Targum is, "he shall drive away;'' and Alshech, "he shall destroy;'' and Gersom, "God shall make others mock them;'' which is, to resist them; but he giveth grace unto the lowly; or humble souls; such who are made truly sensible of sin, and lie low in their own sight on account of it; who, sensible of the imperfection and insufficiency of their own righteousness, submit to the righteousness of Christ; ascribe their salvation, and all the blessings of it, to the free grace of God; own the deficiency of their duties, and disclaim all merit in them; think the worst of themselves, and the best of others; and humble themselves under the mighty hand of God, and are patient under every adverse dispensation of Providence; knowing what their deserts are, how undeserving of any favour, and how deserving of the divine displeasure. Now God first gives grace to these persons to make them thus humble and lowly which they are not naturally, and then he gives them more grace, according to his promise; and it is in proof of God's giving more grace to such persons that the Apostle James produces this passage, Pro 4:6. Grace is God's gift, first and last, what is had in first conversion, in after supplies, and for perseverance to the end: sanctifying, justifying, pardoning, and adopting grace, are the pure gifts of God, of his own favour and good will, without any merit, motive, or condition in the creature; and which he gives liberally and bountifully; for not favour with men is here meant, as some think, but the grace of God. (l) Not. in Mos. Kimchi p. 34, 35.
Proverbs 3:34
The Blessings of Wisdom
33The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the righteous. 34He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble. 35The wise will inherit honor, but fools are held up to shame.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Attributes of God (Series 2): God's Grace Abounding
By A.W. Tozer4.3K50:45Attributes of GodGEN 6:8EXO 33:17PRO 3:34ROM 3:24ROM 5:15EPH 1:6In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of infinitude, which means boundlessness. He tells the story of the prodigal son from the Bible, who squandered his inheritance and ended up in a far country, living in degradation and hunger. Eventually, the son realizes his mistake and decides to return to his father, admitting his unworthiness. The father, filled with joy, welcomes him back with a grand celebration, much to the dismay of the older son who feels neglected. The preacher emphasizes the message of forgiveness and redemption, highlighting the father's unconditional love for his lost son.
Message for Youth for Christ
By A.W. Tozer3.3K25:53MessagePRO 3:34MAT 4:17MAT 23:12LUK 24:49ACT 13:22CO 12:9JAS 4:6In this sermon, the speaker presents thirteen key points or "theses" for the evangelical church. The first thesis is about the importance of repentance and how the whole life of a faithful believer should be an act of repentance. The speaker emphasizes the need for true worshipers who are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. He warns against relying on the sponsorship or approval of influential people and highlights the significance of humility and simplicity in demonstrating true Christianity. The speaker calls for a reformation within the church and urges the youth for Christ to be leaders who set a positive example for others.
Bakht Singh Funeral - Part 9
By Bakht Singh2.8K06:00PRO 3:34JHN 3:31CO 11:23COL 3:16JAS 4:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of being born again in spirit and establishing a deep relationship with the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita. It calls for humility, respect, and seeking blessings through the spirit of the Bhagavad-gita. The speaker identifies with Arjuna's journey and expresses gratitude for the grace of the Lord, highlighting the significance of worship and following New Testament practices.
(1 Samuel) Attacked, but Blessed
By David Guzik1.6K37:241SA 18:19PRO 3:34MAT 5:40ROM 12:21JAS 4:61PE 5:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of responding to manipulation with love and humility. He uses the example of the Roman soldiers and Jewish men during Jesus' time to illustrate his point. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a humble heart and taking control of the situation by giving more than what is required. He references the story of David and Saul to highlight the power of being a humble servant and being in control. The sermon concludes with Jesus' teachings on going the extra mile and giving more than what is demanded, as a way to overcome evil impositions.
Encounter With a Holy God
By Richard Owen Roberts1.6K50:38PSA 90:2PSA 90:4PRO 3:34ISA 57:15ISA 66:2MAT 23:12LUK 3:16PHP 2:3JAS 4:101PE 5:5This sermon delves into the reasons behind Israel's continual wandering from God despite witnessing His incredible works, emphasizing the importance of humility, contrition, and brokenness before God. It challenges listeners to reflect on their own spiritual state and the need to maintain a humble and contrite spirit to experience God's reviving presence in their lives.
Heart-Faith and Not Mind-Faith
By Zac Poonen1.5K59:25FaithPRO 3:34PRO 18:21ROM 10:11HEB 11:24HEB 11:30In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in the heart that God raised him from the dead. He explains that true belief in the heart leads to a spiritual connection and transformation, unlike mere intellectual belief. The preacher also highlights the significance of the book of Proverbs, which he describes as a "new covenant book" in the Old Testament. He encourages the audience to trust in the Lord with their hearts and not just their minds. Additionally, the preacher emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, explaining that without forgiving others, one's faith is hindered and mountains cannot be moved.
(Amos) Yet You Have Not Returned to Me
By David Guzik1.1K53:54PRO 3:34AMO 4:6AMO 6:12MAT 5:23JAS 4:61PE 5:5In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a personal anecdote about watching the Rocky movies and how the preparation for the boxing matches is the main focus of the plot. The speaker then transitions to discussing the humiliation and degradation of the Israelites, who had lived self-indulgent lives and made their fortunes on the backs of the poor. Despite their religious practices, God reminds them that their gains are temporary and that they will soon be brought low by the Assyrians. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of seeking good and establishing justice, as God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
God Has Chosen the Foolish Things - Part 2
By Joshua Daniel78428:30PSA 138:6PRO 3:34ISA 57:15MAT 23:12LUK 14:111CO 1:272CO 10:1PHP 2:5JAS 4:101PE 5:6This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes how God chooses the weak, foolish, and despised things of the world to confound the wise and mighty. It highlights the transformational power of God in turning failures into victories, using examples like Peter and the early church. The message encourages humility, trusting in God's plan, and finding strength in weakness, echoing the theme of God's preference for the base things of the world.
Life of Peter
By J.B. Nicholson66645:36NEH 8:10PSA 51:17PRO 3:34ROM 5:82CO 12:9EPH 2:8HEB 4:16JAS 4:61PE 4:101PE 5:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility and how God can use our failures for His glory. It highlights the transformation of Peter, a flawed disciple, into a powerful instrument for God's work, showcasing how God's grace can turn weaknesses into strengths. The message encourages believers to rely on God's grace, trust in His faithfulness, and be willing to humble themselves to strengthen others in their faith journey.
Is the Lord "Really" With You?
By Shane Idleman930:07Humility and UnityGod's Presence2CH 7:14PRO 3:34MAT 18:20ACT 11:21ROM 12:1EPH 4:3PHP 4:61TI 4:1JAS 3:141PE 5:6Shane Idleman challenges the congregation with the question, 'Is the Lord really with you?' by examining Acts 11:21, emphasizing that the presence of God is evident in our active involvement in His work, humility, and unity within the church. He warns against self-deception and the dangers of pride, urging believers to engage in militant prayer and to discern the spirits influencing their lives. Idleman highlights the importance of returning to the basics of faith, such as prayer and community, to experience the fullness of God's presence. He concludes by stressing that genuine worship and sacrifice are necessary for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully among us.
Revival in the Heart: Choosing Brokenness
By Nancy Leigh DeMoss12CH 7:14PSA 34:18PSA 51:17PRO 3:34ISA 57:15MAT 5:3LUK 18:13PHP 2:3JAS 4:101PE 5:6Nancy Leigh DeMoss preaches about the importance of personal revival as a prerequisite for experiencing revival in homes, churches, and nations. She emphasizes that true revival starts with brokenness and humility, acknowledging our desperate need for God's mercy. DeMoss highlights that brokenness is a continuous lifestyle of surrendering our will to God, agreeing with His assessment of our hearts, and responding with humility and obedience to His Word and Spirit. She explains that brokenness brings blessings such as increased capacity for love and worship, fruitfulness, and the release of God's Spirit in revival.
As Thou Hast Said, Do Even So
By F.B. Meyer0Divine JusticeHumility and Honor1SA 2:7EST 6:10PSA 37:5PSA 75:7PRO 3:34ISA 40:31ROM 12:19GAL 6:9JAS 4:101PE 5:6F.B. Meyer emphasizes the divine reversal of fortunes as seen in the story of Mordecai and Haman, illustrating how God honors those who remain humble and faithful. He reflects on the profound truth that while Haman sought to exalt himself, it was Mordecai, the humble Jew, who was ultimately honored by God. Meyer encourages believers to trust in God's timing and justice, reminding them that even in the face of adversity, God is working for their good. He draws parallels to contemporary examples of God's justice, reinforcing the message that those who honor God will be honored in return.
Appreciating God's Grace
By Thomas a Kempis0PSA 138:6PRO 3:34ISA 57:15MAT 16:24PHP 2:31TH 5:18JAS 1:17JAS 4:61PE 5:5Thomas a Kempis preaches about the importance of embracing patience and carrying our crosses instead of seeking constant comfort and enjoyment. He emphasizes the superiority of spiritual joy and consolation over earthly pleasures, highlighting the need for humility and gratitude in receiving God's grace. Kempis warns against false freedom of mind and overconfidence, stating that grace is given to the humble and grateful, while the proud risk losing it. He encourages a mindset of humility, contrition, and gratitude towards God, attributing all good to Him and willingly accepting both His gifts and corrections.
1 Peter 5:6
By John Gill0God's ExaltationHumilityPSA 37:34PSA 91:1PRO 3:34ISA 57:15MAT 23:12LUK 14:11HEB 12:5JAS 4:101PE 2:121PE 5:6John Gill emphasizes the importance of humility before God, urging believers to submit quietly to His will and endure afflictions without complaint. He explains that being under the mighty hand of God is both a position of safety and a pathway to exaltation, as God opposes the proud but lifts up the humble. Gill reassures that those who humble themselves will be exalted in God's perfect timing, whether in this life or at the return of Christ. He encourages mourning over sin and recognizing our unworthiness, which fosters a deeper reverence for God's majesty.
Attributes of God #6 "The Grace of God"
By A.W. Tozer0SalvationGrace Of GodGEN 6:8EXO 33:17PRO 3:34JHN 1:17ROM 3:24ROM 5:15EPH 1:6A.W. Tozer emphasizes the profound nature of God's grace as an essential attribute, distinct from mercy, and rooted in God's goodness. He explains that grace is not merely a concept but the very essence of God's character, which remains constant and unchanging throughout history. Tozer highlights that all salvation, from the time of Adam to the present, is solely by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, who is the channel of this grace. He urges believers to understand that God's grace is infinite and always available, regardless of human demerit, and that it is through Christ's sacrifice that grace flows to humanity. The sermon concludes with a call to recognize and embrace the overwhelming kindness of God, encouraging a return to Him for all who have strayed.
Thoughts on Prayer
By Rex B. Andrews0PSA 34:18PSA 51:17PRO 3:34ISA 57:15MAT 5:32CO 12:9PHP 2:3JAS 4:6JAS 4:101PE 5:6Rex B. Andrews preaches about the transformative power of prayer, emphasizing the importance of shifting our focus from self-centered desires to God-centered purposes. He highlights the need to acknowledge our spiritual poverty and surrender our will to God, allowing Him to work in and through us. Andrews explains that true prayer involves a process of self-emptying and seeking God's will above our own, leading to a deep dependence on God's grace and mercy for sustenance and strength in the face of life's challenges.
A Contrite Spirit
By David Wilkerson0HumilityContrition1SA 16:7PSA 34:18PSA 51:17PRO 3:34ISA 57:15ISA 66:2MAT 5:3LUK 18:132CO 7:10JAS 4:10David Wilkerson explores the theme of a contrite spirit, emphasizing that God favors those who are humble and broken-hearted, like Jacob, despite his flaws as a deceiver. He contrasts Jacob's genuine reverence for God's Word with Esau's hard-heartedness and superficial repentance. Wilkerson highlights that God looks beyond outward appearances and seeks a heart willing to change and be revived. The sermon underscores the importance of recognizing our need for God and the transformative power of a repentant spirit. Ultimately, it calls believers to cultivate a heart that trembles at God's Word and seeks His guidance.
Grace for the Humble
By C.H. Spurgeon0GraceHumilityPSA 147:6PRO 3:34ISA 57:15MAT 5:3LUK 14:11ROM 12:32CO 12:9PHP 2:3JAS 4:61PE 5:5C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that grace is given to the humble, highlighting that those with humble hearts actively seek and receive grace abundantly. He encourages believers to adopt a lowly view of themselves, recognizing their neediness and unworthiness, which opens the door for God's grace to flow into their lives. Spurgeon warns against the pride of being proud of one's humility, urging true humility as a pathway to experiencing God's favor. He reassures that grace not only cultivates humility but also rewards it, inviting believers to embrace a humble spirit to be exalted by God's grace.
Grace Must Be Hidden Under the Mantle of Humility
By Thomas a Kempis0PRO 3:34MIC 6:8PHP 2:3JAS 4:101PE 5:6Thomas a Kempis preaches about the importance of humility, patience, and endurance in the spiritual journey, cautioning against becoming prideful or relying too much on one's own abilities. He emphasizes the need to trust in God's timing and grace, to seek guidance from experienced individuals, and to remain humble and small in one's own eyes. Kempis highlights that true merit is found in humility, divine charity, seeking God's honor above all else, and a willingness to be despised and humiliated rather than seeking honor from others.
The Humble Place
By A.W. Tozer0Dependence On GodHumilityPSA 147:6PRO 3:34ISA 57:15MAT 5:3LUK 14:11GAL 2:20EPH 2:8PHP 2:3JAS 4:61PE 5:5A.W. Tozer emphasizes the distinction between true humility and false humility, noting that many Christians either mistakenly believe they are humble or fear they are proud. He advocates for a self-forgetful attitude where individuals trust in Christ to work within them, rather than striving to appear virtuous on their own. Tozer asserts that true humility leads to a release from the burdens of self-expectation, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide moral actions. He warns that pride can lead to the forfeiture of God's blessings, as the humble are the ones who receive His promises. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep reliance on God's grace rather than self-effort.
Scorn for the Scornful, Grace for the Humble
By Bob Hoekstra0PSA 138:6PRO 3:34PRO 16:18ISA 14:12EZK 28:14JAS 4:61PE 5:5Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of humility before the Lord, highlighting how God pours out grace on the humble while scorning the scornful. The Scriptures emphasize God's resistance to the proud but His favor towards the humble, warning against pride and haughtiness that lead to destruction. The sermon delves into the consequences of self-exaltation, drawing parallels to the fall of Lucifer due to his desire to be like the Most High. Believers are encouraged to walk with God's humble saints and reject the path of the proud, seeking to be lowly in spirit and receive God's abundant grace.
We Will Be Glad and Rejoice in Thee
By C.H. Spurgeon0PRO 3:34PRO 22:4ISA 66:2MAT 5:3MAT 11:29LUK 14:11PHP 2:5JAS 4:61PE 5:5The preacher, F.B. Meyer, emphasizes the importance of humility, illustrating how pride can hinder spiritual growth and how true humility involves submitting to God's will, serving others, and accepting divine discipline. He highlights the need to recognize the claims of those older and superior, to serve one another, and to accept God's hand in life's circumstances. Meyer encourages seeking a true estimate of oneself, looking at the good in others, accepting divine discipline, and claiming the humility of Jesus as examples to cultivate humility.
The Humble Man's Heart
By Thomas Brooks0God's PresenceHumilityJOB 22:29PSA 34:18PRO 3:34ISA 57:15MAT 5:3LUK 14:11JAS 4:61PE 5:5Thomas Brooks emphasizes that God chooses to dwell in the hearts of the humble, highlighting the profound relationship between humility and divine presence. He explains that God's dwelling with the humble includes His supervision, assistance, protection, sympathy, and teaching, ultimately leading to a richer experience of His grace and glory. Brooks illustrates that the humble receive not only God's support but also a deeper revelation of His goodness and love. The sermon encourages believers to cultivate a humble spirit to experience God's abundant blessings.
The Strength of Humility
By A.W. Tozer0True StrengthHumilityPSA 147:6PRO 3:34ISA 40:29MAT 5:5LUK 1:521CO 1:272CO 12:9PHP 2:3JAS 4:61PE 5:6A.W. Tozer emphasizes the paradox of humility in the kingdom of heaven, where the weak are made strong and the proud often find themselves ineffective. He points out that human standards of strength and courage can lead to spiritual defeat, as God values humility and reliance on Him over carnal confidence. Tozer reminds us that true strength comes from God, who empowers the faint-hearted and distances Himself from the proud. The sermon challenges listeners to reconsider their definitions of strength and success in light of God's perspective.
1 Peter 5:5
By John Gill0Church CommunityHumilityPRO 3:34MAT 5:3EPH 5:21PHP 2:3HEB 13:17JAS 4:61PE 5:5John Gill emphasizes the importance of humility and submission within the church community as outlined in 1 Peter 5:5. He explains that younger members should submit to their elders, not only in age but also in spiritual leadership, and that all members should practice mutual submission to one another. Humility is highlighted as essential for this submission, as it fosters a spirit of service and love among believers. Gill warns against pride, noting that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, encouraging believers to embody humility in all aspects of life. Ultimately, he calls for a community that reflects Christ's love through humble service and respect for one another.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
His relation to men is determined by their relation to Him. As for the scorners, He scorneth them, But to the lowly He giveth grace. Most interpreters render the verse thus: "If the scorner He (even He, in return) scorneth, so He (on the other hand) giveth grace to the lowly." For the sequence of the words in the consequence, in which the precedence of the verb is usual, e.g., Lev 12:5, we are referred to Pro 23:18, cf. Pro 24:14; but why had the poet placed the two facts in the relation of condition and consequence? The one fact is not the consequence but the reverse of the other, and accordingly they are opposed to each other in coordinated passages, Psa 18:26. The Vav in such antitheses has generally the meaning of "and on the other hand," e.g., Job 8:20, while the lxx, Targ., Syriac, and Jerome altogether pass over the אם as if it did not exist. Ziegler translates: "Truly! the scorner He scorneth;" but an affirmative אם does not exist, the asseveration after the manner of an oath is negative. Bertheau's expedient would be more acceptable, by which he makes the whole of Pro 3:34 the protasis to Pro 3:35; but if this were intended, another subject would not enter into Pro 3:35. Thus 34a and 34b are two independent parallel passages; אם־ללּצים is the protasis: if as regards the scorners, i.e., if His conduct is directed to the scorners, so He scorneth. The ל denotes relation, and in this elliptical usage is like the ל of superscription, e.g., Jer 23:9. הוּא is the emphatic αὐτός: He on the contrary, and in a decisive way (Ewald, 314ab). Instead of יליץ fo there might have been used יליצם (for הליץ, where it occurs as a governing word, has the accusative, Pro 19:28; Psa 119:51), but we do not miss the object: if it relates to scorners (thus also Lwenstein translates), so it is He in return who scorneth. The lxx renders it: κύριος ὑπερηφάνοις ἀντιτάσσεται, ταπεινοῖς δὲ δίδωσι χάριν; cf. Jam 4:6; Pe1 5:5. הוּא is used as a name of God (Deutsch. Morgenl. Zeitschr. xvi. 400), on which account it is rendered like יהוה by κύριος. A ὑπερήφανος (appearing above others, i.e., overbearing) is the לץ, according to the definition Pro 21:24. the expression of the talio is generalized in ἀντιτάσσεται (resists them). For עניים the Kerı̂ has ענוים: ענו (from ענה, the ground-form ענו, Arab. 'anaw) is the lowly (ταπεινός), or he who bends himself, i.e., the gentle and humble, the patient, and the passive עני, he who is bowed down, the suffering; but the limits of the conception are moveable, since in עני is presupposed the possession of fruit-virtues gained in the school of affliction.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The retribution of sinners, as in Psa 18:26.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Surely he scorneth the scorners,.... That make a mock at sin, a jest of religion, that scoff at the doctrines of the Gospel and the professors of it; these the Lord looks upon, laughs at, and has them in derision. The Greek version and two apostles render it, "he resisteth the proud", Pe1 5:5. Such who are haughty and arrogant, that exalt themselves and despise others; as those of a pharisaical spirit are and do, are abhorred and despised by the Lord; he sets himself against them, is their enemy, "and scatters them in the imagination of their hearts", Luk 1:51. L'Empereur observes (l) that this version is quite agreeable to the Hebrew text and the sense of Jewish writers: R. Alshech says, that rendered "scorners", are such who will not look upon the divine Being, but go on boldly in sin, as if there was no God; and Kimchi explains the word by who exalt themselves, or are proud; and because proud men yield to none, but resist others, hence the verb is used, by the Septuagint, to resist; agreeably to which the Targum is, "he shall drive away;'' and Alshech, "he shall destroy;'' and Gersom, "God shall make others mock them;'' which is, to resist them; but he giveth grace unto the lowly; or humble souls; such who are made truly sensible of sin, and lie low in their own sight on account of it; who, sensible of the imperfection and insufficiency of their own righteousness, submit to the righteousness of Christ; ascribe their salvation, and all the blessings of it, to the free grace of God; own the deficiency of their duties, and disclaim all merit in them; think the worst of themselves, and the best of others; and humble themselves under the mighty hand of God, and are patient under every adverse dispensation of Providence; knowing what their deserts are, how undeserving of any favour, and how deserving of the divine displeasure. Now God first gives grace to these persons to make them thus humble and lowly which they are not naturally, and then he gives them more grace, according to his promise; and it is in proof of God's giving more grace to such persons that the Apostle James produces this passage, Pro 4:6. Grace is God's gift, first and last, what is had in first conversion, in after supplies, and for perseverance to the end: sanctifying, justifying, pardoning, and adopting grace, are the pure gifts of God, of his own favour and good will, without any merit, motive, or condition in the creature; and which he gives liberally and bountifully; for not favour with men is here meant, as some think, but the grace of God. (l) Not. in Mos. Kimchi p. 34, 35.