Proverbs 3:31 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

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

Envy thou not the oppressor - when he is in prosperity (Psalms 37:1) - literally, the man of violence. Even if one have 'done thee harm,' do not retaliate; nor, on the other hand, envy his wickedly gained prosperity.

And choose none of his ways - because success seems to attend them. Envy of the prosperous easily leads to imitating his ways. Solomon showed the godly man how to behave toward God and his neighbour. Now it is shown how he is to act toward himself.

Proverbs 3:31

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