Proverbs 3:31 Meaning and Explanation
“Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Do not envy the oppressor or imitate his conduct.
The Context of Proverbs 3:31
Resistance to the seduction of the oppressor's apparent success.
What Does Proverbs 3:31 Mean?
The oppressor may prosper in the short term, accumulating power and gain through force and cruelty. The temptation is envy—to wish for what he has or admiration—to respect his methods. The verse forbids both. Do not envy his success, nor adopt his ways.
This reinforces the choice between wisdom and folly. The oppressor's path is effective for gaining power but leads to his own ruin (as seen in verse 33). The righteous person must actively reject envy and actively refuse to walk his way, though the world may seem to reward it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 3:31
What does Proverbs 3:31 mean?
Do not envy the oppressor or imitate his conduct.
What is the context of Proverbs 3:31?
Resistance to the seduction of the oppressor's apparent success.