Proverbs 3:31
Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תְּ֭קַנֵּא
Envy
H7065
תְּ֭קַנֵּא
Envy
Strong's:
H7065
Word #:
2 of 8
to be (causatively, make) zealous, i.e., (in a bad sense) jealous or envious
בְּאִ֣ישׁ
thou not the oppressor
H376
בְּאִ֣ישׁ
thou not the oppressor
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
חָמָ֑ס
H2555
וְאַל
H408
וְאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
5 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
Cross References
Proverbs 24:1Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.Psalms 37:1Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.Ecclesiastes 5:8If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.Proverbs 23:17Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.Galatians 5:21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.Proverbs 12:12The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.Psalms 73:3For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Historical Context
Addresses perennial temptation when the wicked prosper and righteous suffer. Ancient Israel saw oppressors accumulate wealth and power, tempting covenant members to adopt unrighteous means to similar ends.
Questions for Reflection
- Whose success tempts you to envy and consider compromising your convictions?
- How does contemplating the wicked's ultimate end help you resist envying their present prosperity?
Analysis & Commentary
Do not envy the oppressor or choose any of his ways. Envy of the wicked arises when their prosperity and apparent success tempts admiration. Yet choosing their ways means adopting their values and methods, which lead to destruction. Psalm 73 addresses this temptation - envying the wicked until understanding their end. The command assumes tendency toward envy requiring active resistance through right theology.