Proverbs 3:34
What does Proverbs 3:34 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 3:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 3:34 means
This verse highlights God's justice and His character in relation to human pride and humility. 'Surely he scoffeth at the scoffers' means God actively opposes and mocks those who are arrogant, contemptuous, and disdainful of Him and His ways. But in contrast, 'he giveth grace unto the lowly' signifies God's favor, empowering kindness, and unmerited blessing towards those who are humble and modest in spirit. This principle is famously echoed in the New Testament (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5).
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Surely he scoffeth at the scoffers; But he giveth grace unto the lowly.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Surely he scoffeth at the scoffers; But he giveth grace unto the lowly.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He makes sport of the men of pride, but he gives grace to the gentle-hearted.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862If the scorners He doth scorn, Yet to the humble He doth give grace.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He shall scorn the scorners, and to the meek he will give grace.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He indeed scorneth the scorners; but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
Context
This verse further elaborates on God's just character, specifically addressing His response to different attitudes: scoffing pride versus humility. It functions as a general principle of divine interaction, building on the broader theme of God's blessing on the righteous and curse on the wicked. This emphasis on humility and grace sets the stage for the final contrast between the wise and the fools, linking character to ultimate destiny.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 21:24
The proud and haughty man, scoffer is his name; He worketh in the arrogance of pride.
- Proverbs 9:7
He that correcteth a scoffer getteth to himself reviling; And he that reproveth a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
- Isaiah 57:15
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.
- Proverbs 19:29
Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And stripes for the back of fools.
- 1 Peter 5:5
Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.
- Psalms 138:6
For though Jehovah is high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly; But the haughty he knoweth from afar.
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