Proverbs 3:34

KJV

Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.

KJV (with Strong's)

Surely he scorneth {H3887} the scorners {H3887}: but he giveth {H5414} grace {H2580} unto the lowly {H6035}{H6041}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The scornful he scorns, but gives grace to the humble.

Berean Standard Bible

He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.

American Standard Version

Surely he scoffeth at the scoffers; But he giveth grace unto the lowly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 3:34 encapsulates a profound principle of divine justice and grace, revealing God's antithetical responses to human disposition: He actively opposes and brings to naught the arrogant mockery of those who scorn wisdom and righteousness, while simultaneously extending abundant, unmerited favor to those who are humble, meek, and receptive to His instruction. This verse serves as a foundational statement on the character of God and the consequences of human pride versus humility.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 3:34 stands as a climactic aphorism within a broader section of Proverbs (chapters 1-9) that personifies wisdom and contrasts the paths of wisdom and folly. Specifically, it follows a series of exhortations in [Proverbs 3](/proverbs/3 "Proverbs 3 - Exhortations to Wisdom") that encourage trust in the Lord with all one's heart ([Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")), reverence for His discipline ([Proverbs 3:11-12](/proverbs/3-11 "Proverbs 3:11-12 - Do Not Despise Discipline")), and ethical living marked by generosity, peace, and justice towards neighbors ([Proverbs 3:27-31](/proverbs/3-27 "Proverbs 3:27-31 - Ethical Conduct")). The verse acts as a summary judgment, illustrating the ultimate divine consequence for those who reject these wise counsels (the scorners) versus those who embrace them (the lowly). It reinforces the idea that one's disposition towards God's wisdom directly impacts God's disposition towards them.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs originates from ancient Israelite wisdom tradition, a genre of literature designed to impart practical and theological instruction for living a flourishing life in covenant with God. In this cultural setting, wisdom was not merely intellectual knowledge but a moral and spiritual disposition, rooted in the "fear of the Lord" ([Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord")). The "scorner" (`lēṣ`) was a recognized societal archetype, often depicted as someone inherently resistant to correction, mocking instruction, and embodying a spirit of arrogant self-sufficiency. They were considered dangerous to the community's moral fabric. Conversely, the "lowly" (`‘anāwîm`) represented the humble, the meek, and often the socio-economically disadvantaged, who, despite their circumstances, maintained a posture of dependence on God and openness to His truth. This verse reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine justice, where a deity's response was often seen as mirroring human behavior, but here, it is infused with Israel's unique understanding of Yahweh's character as both righteous judge and gracious benefactor.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Retribution and Grace**, demonstrating God's active involvement in human affairs, responding to pride with opposition and to humility with favor. Secondly, it underscores the **Contrast of Character Types**, specifically between the "scorner" (representing arrogance, resistance to wisdom, and self-reliance) and the "lowly" (representing humility, teachability, and dependence on God). This dichotomy is fundamental to the wisdom literature, which consistently presents two paths: the path of the wise leading to life and blessing, and the path of the foolish/scornful leading to destruction. Finally, the verse speaks to the **Nature of True Wisdom**, asserting that genuine wisdom is not found in intellectual arrogance but in a humble heart that acknowledges its need for divine instruction and grace. Those who scorn wisdom ultimately incur God's opposition, while those who embrace humility are recipients of His unmerited favor, leading to a life of divine blessing and guidance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **scorneth (Hebrew, _lûwts'_):** This word, H3887, carries the primary meaning "to make mouths at," which extends to scoffing, ridiculing, and mocking. In the context of Proverbs, the "scorner" (`lēṣ`) is not merely someone who jokes or is sarcastic, but one who actively disdains wisdom, instruction, and divine truth. God's "scorn" here is not an emotional outburst but a divine, active opposition that brings the mocker's arrogance to nothing. It implies a reversal of their intended effect; their scorn ultimately recoils upon themselves through God's just response.
* **grace (Hebrew, _chên'_):** Derived from H2580, this term signifies graciousness, kindness, or favor. It denotes an unmerited, benevolent disposition or action, often leading to a pleasant or precious outcome. When God "gives grace," it is His unearned favor bestowed upon individuals, enabling them, blessing them, and providing for them beyond their deserts. This grace is directly contrasted with the divine opposition faced by the scorners, highlighting God's character as both just and merciful.
* **lowly (Hebrew, _‘ânâv'_ / _‘ânîy'_):** These two closely related words (H6035 and H6041) are often used interchangeably and refer to those who are depressed, afflicted, humble, or meek. It describes a disposition of dependence on God, a recognition of one's own limitations and need for divine help, rather than self-sufficiency or arrogance. The "lowly" are those who are teachable, receptive to wisdom, and willing to submit to God's ways. They are the antithesis of the scorners, embodying the very humility that God delights to favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Surely he scorneth the scorners":** This clause declares God's active and certain opposition to those who mock and disdain wisdom, righteousness, and divine instruction. The repetition of the root word for "scorn" (from `lûwts`) emphasizes the reciprocal nature of divine justice: just as the scorners scorn, God, in His sovereignty, will ensure their scorn is met with His opposition, ultimately leading to their undoing or the futility of their ways. It implies a divine judgment against arrogance and resistance to truth.
* **"but he giveth grace unto the lowly":** This contrasting clause reveals the other side of God's character: His benevolent disposition towards the humble. The conjunction "but" marks a sharp antithesis. To those who are meek, teachable, and dependent on Him, God extends His unmerited favor and kindness. This grace is not earned but freely given, providing strength, wisdom, and blessing to those who acknowledge their need and submit to His guidance.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 3:34 is a masterclass in concise yet profound communication, primarily employing **Antithetical Parallelism**. This is a hallmark of Hebrew wisdom literature, where two contrasting lines or clauses are juxtaposed to highlight a moral or theological truth. Here, the first clause describes God's response to the scornful, while the second describes His response to the humble, creating a stark and memorable contrast that underscores the consequences of different character types. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Personification** by attributing human-like actions ("scorneth," "giveth grace") to God, making His divine involvement in human affairs more relatable and impactful. The concept of God "scorn" is a powerful anthropomorphism, conveying His utter disdain for arrogance. Finally, the verse employs **Repetition** of the root word for "scorn" (`lûwts`) in "scorneth the scorners," which serves to emphasize the direct and fitting nature of God's judgment against those who mock Him or His ways.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 3:34 articulates a fundamental theological truth about God's character and His interaction with humanity: He is inherently opposed to pride and drawn to humility. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, forming a consistent theme from the Old Testament prophets to the New Testament epistles. God's resistance to the proud is not arbitrary but flows from His holiness, which cannot tolerate self-exaltation that usurps His rightful place. Conversely, His grace to the humble reflects His compassionate nature, His desire to lift up those who acknowledge their dependence on Him, and His commitment to empowering those who seek His wisdom. This divine posture ensures that ultimate justice prevails and that true flourishing is found not in self-sufficiency but in humble reliance upon the Creator.

* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "God Resists the Proud")
* [1 Peter 5:5](/1_peter/5-5 "Humility and Grace")
* [Matthew 23:12](/matthew/23-12 "Humility and Exaltation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 3:34 confronts us with a profound spiritual mirror, urging us to examine the posture of our own hearts. Are we, in our interactions with God, His Word, or even others, exhibiting traits of the scorner—a cynical spirit, resistance to correction, or an arrogant dismissal of truth? Or are we cultivating the spirit of the lowly—a humble teachability, a readiness to acknowledge our need for God's wisdom, and a dependence on His grace? This verse reminds us that our disposition profoundly impacts God's disposition towards us. Embracing humility is not weakness but a strategic alignment with divine favor. It opens the door to receiving God's unmerited grace, which empowers us to navigate life's challenges, grow in wisdom, and experience His sustaining presence. Conversely, clinging to pride invites divine opposition, leading to a life cut off from the very source of true blessing and understanding. Therefore, let us actively pursue humility, recognizing that it is the fertile ground upon which God's abundant grace flourishes in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting a "scorner" mentality, perhaps subtly resisting truth or instruction?**
* **How does my daily life reflect a posture of humility and dependence on God rather than self-reliance?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more "lowly" spirit, making myself more receptive to God's grace?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that God "scorns the scorners"?**

Answer: It does not mean God acts childishly or with petty vindictiveness. Rather, it signifies His active and righteous opposition to those who arrogantly mock, ridicule, and reject His wisdom, His commands, or His people. God's "scorn" is a divine judgment, a principle of divine justice where the proud and self-sufficient ultimately find their plans frustrated and their arrogance exposed. It implies that their very scorn will become their undoing, as God will not grant favor or success to those who defy Him with such a hardened heart. This divine opposition is a consequence of their chosen path, ensuring that ultimately, God's truth and righteousness prevail.

**How is "grace" understood in this Old Testament context compared to the New Testament?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "grace" (`chên`, H2580) in Proverbs 3:34 carries the fundamental meaning of unmerited favor, kindness, or benevolence. In the Old Testament, this grace is often seen in God's covenant faithfulness, His provision for Israel, His willingness to forgive, and His blessing upon the humble and obedient (e.g., [Genesis 6:8](/genesis/6-8 "Noah Found Grace")). While the Old Testament reveals God's gracious character, the New Testament deepens and climaxes this understanding in the person and work of Jesus Christ. New Testament grace (`charis`) is the full revelation of God's unmerited favor, supremely demonstrated in the salvation offered through Christ's sacrifice ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Saved by Grace Through Faith")). So, while the Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding God's grace, the New Testament unveils its ultimate, redemptive expression in Christ, making it accessible to all who believe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 3:34 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of the "lowly" who received infinite "grace." Unlike the scorners who reject divine wisdom, Jesus perfectly embraced and lived out God's wisdom, demonstrating unparalleled humility even unto death. [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Christ's Humility") powerfully describes His self-emptying, taking the form of a servant, and humbling Himself to the point of death on a cross. In His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently extended grace to the humble, the poor in spirit, and those who recognized their need for God, while confronting the proud, the self-righteous, and those who scorned His message (e.g., [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). He endured the ultimate scorn of humanity ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Despised and Rejected")), yet He did not return scorn but offered forgiveness and grace. Through His death and resurrection, Christ became the very channel through which God's boundless grace flows to all who humbly believe ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "Grace and Truth Came Through Jesus Christ")). Thus, the principle of Proverbs 3:34 is perfectly realized in Christ: God's opposition to the scorn of sin was borne by Christ on the cross, and His grace is now freely given to all who, in humility, come to the [throne of grace](/hebrews/4-16 "Approach the Throne of Grace") through Him.

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

James 4:6

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

1 Peter 5:5

¶ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Psalms 138:6

¶ Though the LORD [be] high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.

Proverbs 9:12

If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but [if] thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear [it].

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 ones.

Proverbs 21:24

¶ Proud [and] haughty scorner [is] his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

Proverbs 9:7

He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked [man getteth] himself a blot.