Proverbs 3:31

KJV

Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.

KJV (with Strong's)

Envy {H7065} thou not the oppressor {H376}{H2555}, and choose {H977} none of his ways {H1870}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't envy a man of violence, don't choose any of his ways;

Berean Standard Bible

Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways;

American Standard Version

Envy thou not the man of violence, And choose none of his ways.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 3:31 issues a profound ethical and spiritual warning, admonishing the wise not to harbor envy towards those who achieve apparent success through oppressive and unrighteous means, nor to adopt their morally compromised methods. This verse serves as a critical reminder that the fleeting prosperity of the wicked, often gained through exploitation and injustice, should never tempt a believer to covet their position or emulate their destructive behaviors. Instead, it calls for unwavering integrity and a steadfast trust in God's righteous order, rejecting the deceptive allure of ill-gotten gain and the ultimately ruinous paths of the oppressor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 3:31 is strategically placed within the larger instructional framework of Proverbs 1-9, which presents a father's earnest appeal to his son to embrace wisdom and shun folly. More immediately, it concludes a series of practical ethical directives found in [Proverbs 3:27-30](/proverbs/3-27-30 "Proverbs 3:27-30 - Ethical Directives for Righteous Living"). These preceding verses emphasize proactive righteousness, urging the son not to withhold good, devise evil against a neighbor, or engage in baseless strife. Verse 31 then transitions from external actions to internal dispositions, specifically addressing the insidious temptation of envy toward those who disregard these very principles. It acts as a crucial bridge, setting the stage for subsequent warnings against the wicked and their ultimate fate, as elaborated in [Proverbs 3:32-35](/proverbs/3-32-35 "Proverbs 3:32-35 - The Lord's Blessing and Curse on the Righteous and Wicked"). This placement highlights that true wisdom involves not only righteous conduct but also a righteous heart, free from covetousness for ungodly success.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many societies, the stark reality of injustice often contrasted sharply with the ideal of God's righteous governance. The "oppressor" (Hebrew: *châmâç*) was a tragically familiar figure: an individual or group who acquired wealth, power, or influence through violence, fraud, or exploitation, frequently at the expense of the vulnerable and marginalized. The wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs, consistently grapples with the perplexing problem of evil and the apparent prosperity of the wicked—a profound theological tension also explored in depth in books such as [Psalm 73](/psalm/73 "Psalm 73 - The Problem of Evil and God's Justice") and [Job](/job/1 "Job 1 - The Book of Job"). The admonition to "envy not" directly confronts the deeply human inclination to compare one's own struggles and adherence to ethical principles with the seemingly easier, though unrighteous, path of others. This temptation would have been particularly acute in a societal context where human justice was not always swiftly or perfectly administered, leading to questions about the immediate benefits of righteousness versus the apparent advantages of wickedness.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 3:31 significantly contributes to several foundational themes woven throughout the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it reinforces the overarching theme of **discerning between true and false wisdom**. Authentic wisdom, as consistently presented in [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Life"), necessitates unwavering adherence to God's moral order, even when such a path appears less immediately profitable or convenient in worldly terms. Secondly, the verse directly addresses the pervasive theme of **justice and righteousness versus wickedness and injustice**. By explicitly condemning the "ways" of the oppressor, it aligns with the broader Proverbial teaching that the path of the wicked inevitably leads to destruction, while the path of the righteous leads to life, blessing, and enduring prosperity, a truth powerfully articulated in [Proverbs 4:18-19](/proverbs/4-18-19 "Proverbs 4:18-19 - The Paths of the Righteous and the Wicked"). Lastly, it touches upon the critical theme of the **danger of covetousness and discontentment**. By warning against envy, the verse encourages a profound contentment with one's own righteous walk and a steadfast trust in God's ultimate vindication of the just, echoing similar warnings against envy and fretting found in other wisdom texts like [Psalm 37:1](/psalm/37-1 "Psalm 37:1 - Fret Not Yourself Because of Evildoers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Envy (Hebrew, _qânâ'_):** From H7065, this primitive root signifies "to be (causatively, make) zealous, i.e. (in a bad sense) jealous or envious." In this context, it denotes a strong, often negative, emotional response of covetousness, resentment, or bitter desire towards another's perceived advantage or success, particularly when that advantage is gained through illicit or unrighteous means. It is more than mere admiration; it is a corrosive longing for what another possesses, coupled with a dissatisfaction with one's own lot, often leading to a desire to emulate the means by which the envied person achieved their status.
* **Oppressor (Hebrew, _châmâç'_):** From H2555, this noun means "violence; by implication, wrong; by meton. unjust gain." While the KJV translates it as "oppressor," the underlying Hebrew root points to the *character* of the person through their actions: one who practices violence, cruelty, or injustice. This term vividly describes an individual who gains or maintains power, wealth, or influence through harmful, unethical, or illegal means, often inflicting suffering upon the vulnerable. It encapsulates the very essence of unrighteous dealing, exploitation, and moral corruption.
* **Ways (Hebrew, _derek'_):** From H1870, this noun literally means "a road (as trodden)," but figuratively, it refers to "a course of life or mode of action." In Proverbs 3:31, "his ways" refers to the entire pattern of behavior, moral choices, life philosophy, and ethical shortcuts adopted by the oppressor. It encompasses their methods, their unjust practices, their ruthless ambition, their deceitful tactics, and the overall trajectory and character of their life. The prohibition extends to adopting any aspect of this unrighteous lifestyle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Envy thou not the oppressor,"**: This is a direct, negative imperative, a strong command to resist the powerful temptation to covet the apparent success, wealth, or influence of those who achieve it through violent, cruel, or unjust means. The prohibition targets the internal disposition, warning against the dangerous desire to possess what the oppressor has, or to wish one were in their position, despite the inherent unrighteousness involved. It speaks to the heart, where such destructive desires originate, emphasizing that true wisdom begins with a righteous inner attitude.
* **"and choose none of his ways."**: This second imperative extends the prohibition from internal desire to external action and moral alignment. Not only should one avoid envying the oppressor, but one must also actively reject and refuse to adopt their methods, practices, or underlying moral philosophy. This implies a complete disavowal of their unjust business dealings, their ruthless ambition, their deceitful tactics, and any other unrighteous means by which they achieve their ends. It underscores a steadfast commitment to integrity and righteousness, regardless of the perceived cost or the apparent benefits of moral compromise.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 3:31 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its urgent and profound message. The most evident is the **Imperative Mood**, clearly seen in the commands "Envy thou not" and "choose none." This direct address lends immediate authority and urgency to the instruction, characteristic of wisdom literature's didactic nature. Secondly, the verse utilizes **Antithesis**, implicitly contrasting the "ways" of the oppressor—characterized by violence and injustice—with the righteous path that the wise person is called to follow. While the oppressor's path may appear to yield immediate worldly advantages, the verse subtly implies its ultimate futility and the enduring superiority of the righteous way. Finally, the term "ways" functions as **Figurative Language**, specifically a **metonymy** or **synecdoche**, where a physical path or road represents the entire course of life, moral conduct, and chosen actions. This metaphor vividly portrays the oppressor's life as a journey defined by injustice, which the wise person must consciously and resolutely avoid.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 3:31 profoundly underscores the biblical emphasis on divine justice and the ultimate futility of ill-gotten gain. It challenges the human tendency to evaluate success by worldly metrics—such as wealth, power, or influence—rather than by the enduring spiritual and ethical standards established by God. Theologically, this verse affirms God's unwavering sovereignty over justice, implying that while the oppressor may flourish temporarily, their end is ultimately ruin and judgment, a theme consistently echoed throughout the broader tapestry of Scripture. This Proverb calls believers to align their values and aspirations with God's righteousness, trusting that His way, though often appearing slower or more difficult in the short term, is the only path to true, lasting blessing and eternal life. It is a powerful call to radical integrity, urging the reader to refuse to compromise one's moral compass for any perceived worldly advantage or fleeting success.

* [Psalm 73:3](/psalm/73-3 "Psalm 73:3 - Envy of the Arrogant")
* [Proverbs 24:1](/proverbs/24-1 "Proverbs 24:1 - Do Not Envy Evil Men")
* [Jeremiah 22:17](/jeremiah/22-17 "Jeremiah 22:17 - Condemnation of Oppression")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a contemporary world that frequently celebrates ruthless ambition, prioritizes material accumulation, and often normalizes ethical shortcuts, Proverbs 3:31 remains profoundly relevant and challenging. It compels us to undertake a sincere self-examination, scrutinizing our hearts for any subtle inclinations to admire or adopt the methods of those who cut ethical corners, exploit others, or prioritize profit and personal gain over people and principles. This verse directly confronts and challenges the pervasive cultural narrative that "the end justifies the means," particularly when those means are unjust, deceitful, or oppressive. True wisdom, as articulated in this Proverb, does not lie in achieving worldly success at any cost, but rather in steadfastly walking in integrity, even when such a path appears to yield less immediate reward or perceived advantage. It encourages us to cultivate a deep and abiding trust in God's ultimate justice and to find profound contentment in His righteous path, knowing with certainty that His blessings are enduring and His judgment is sure. This passage calls us to a counter-cultural commitment to righteousness, even when the world around us seems to thrive by different standards.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What forms of "oppression," unjust gain, or morally compromised success do I observe being celebrated or normalized in my contemporary culture, and how might I be subtly tempted to envy them?**
* **In what specific areas of my life—such as my career, financial decisions, social interactions, or even online presence—might I be tempted to "choose the ways" of those who operate without integrity or compassion?**
* **How does my understanding of God's perfect justice and His ultimate vindication of the righteous influence my resistance to envying the wicked or adopting their destructive methods?**

### FAQ
**Why is envy specifically highlighted as a danger in relation to the oppressor?**

Answer: Envy is specifically highlighted as a danger in relation to the oppressor because it serves as a powerful gateway to adopting unrighteous ways. When we envy the oppressor, our desire extends beyond merely wishing we had their possessions or status; we are often subtly desiring their perceived freedom from moral constraints, their apparent power, or their seemingly effortless path to success. This insidious desire can then lead us to rationalize, excuse, or even actively embrace their unethical methods, believing that if we act similarly, we might achieve comparable results. The Bible consistently warns against envy (e.g., listing it among the "works of the flesh" in [Galatians 5:21](/galatians/5-21 "Galatians 5:21 - Works of the Flesh")), recognizing it as a deeply corrosive emotion that not only harms the individual's spiritual well-being but also undermines community and inevitably leads to sin. In the context of the oppressor, envy blinds us to the true spiritual cost, the moral degradation, and the ultimate ruin inextricably linked to their path, making their destructive "ways" appear appealing rather than abhorrent. It is a crucial warning against allowing our covetousness to distort our moral judgment and lead us away from God's righteous and life-giving standards.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 3:31 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and teachings of Jesus Christ, who flawlessly embodied the rejection of the oppressor's ways and the complete embrace of divine righteousness. While the world consistently values power, wealth, and dominance, Christ radically taught and demonstrated a kingdom built upon humility, sacrificial service, and self-giving love, standing in stark contrast to the "ways" of the oppressor. He profoundly warned against the pursuit of earthly treasures and worldly gain at the expense of one's eternal soul, famously asking, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?" ([Matthew 16:26](/matthew/16-26 "Matthew 16:26 - The Cost of Discipleship")). His entire life was a living testament to refusing to "choose none of his ways," as He steadfastly resisted the temptation to seize political power or worldly glory, choosing instead the path of suffering love and unwavering obedience to the Father, even to the ignominious death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Furthermore, Christ's ultimate victory over sin, death, and all oppressive powers ensures that divine justice will ultimately prevail, rendering the oppressor's temporary triumph utterly meaningless in the light of eternity. Believers are called to follow Christ's perfect example, to live by His kingdom values, and to trust in His ultimate vindication, knowing that true and lasting prosperity is found not in fleeting earthly accumulation but in spiritual riches and eternal life with Him ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 24:1

¶ Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.

Proverbs 23:17

¶ Let not thine heart envy sinners: but [be thou] in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

Ecclesiastes 5:8

If 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.

Psalms 37:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

Galatians 5:21

Envyings, 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 24:19

¶ Fret not thyself because of evil [men], neither be thou envious at the wicked;

Proverbs 24:20

For there shall be no reward to the evil [man]; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.