Proverbs 3:31
What does Proverbs 3:31 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 3:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 3:31 means
This verse warns against envying the success or perceived advantages of violent people and explicitly advises against adopting their harmful methods. 'Envy thou not the man of violence' cautions against admiring or desiring the outcomes achieved through wicked means. 'Choose none of his ways' is a direct prohibition from imitating their coercive, unjust, or destructive behaviors, regardless of any apparent short-term gain they may achieve.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Envy thou not the man of violence, And choose none of his ways.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Envy thou not the man of violence, And choose none of his ways.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Have no envy of the violent man, or take any of his ways as an example.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Be not envious of a man of violence, Nor fix thou on any of his ways.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Envy not the unjust man, and do not follow his ways.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Envy not the man of violence, and choose none of his ways.
Context
This verse shifts focus to a warning against coveting and imitating the ways of the wicked, particularly those who achieve success through violence. It contrasts sharply with the previous verses that promoted justice and generosity towards neighbors. This instruction about envy serves as a crucial moral boundary, reinforcing the distinction between righteous living and the temptations of worldly power, and preparing for the explanation of why such ways are an abomination to God.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 2:12
To deliver thee from the way of evil, From the men that speak perverse things;
- Psalms 73:3
For I was envious at the arrogant, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
- Galatians 5:21
envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
- Proverbs 24:19
Fret not thyself because of evil-doers; Neither be thou envious at the wicked:
- Psalms 37:7
Rest in Jehovah, and wait patiently for him: Fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, Because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
- Proverbs 23:17
Let not thy heart envy sinners; Butbe thouin the fear of Jehovah all the day long:
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