Proverbs 3:31

31 Don't try to be like those who shoulder their way through life. Why be a bully?

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Proverbs 3:31 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 3:31

Envy thou not the oppressor
The man that gets wealth and riches by acts of injustice, by oppressing the poor, by rapine and violence; do not envy his prosperity, and the substance he is possessed of; do not wish to be in his place and circumstances, to enjoy his affluence and ease; do not look upon his happiness with an envious eye and a fretting heart; he is far from being a happy man; his end will be bad; see ( Psalms 37:1 Psalms 37:7 ) ; and choose none of his ways;
which he has used to get his riches in; do not follow him in them; for should you do as he has done, and get ever so much, since this would be with the loss of your souls, of what advantage would it be? He makes the best choice that chooses the "good part" that shall not be taken away, ( Luke 10:42 ) ; Christ, and the ways of Christ.

Proverbs 3:31 In-Context

29 Don't figure ways of taking advantage of your neighbor when he's sitting there trusting and unsuspecting.
30 Don't walk around with a chip on your shoulder, always spoiling for a fight.
31 Don't try to be like those who shoulder their way through life. Why be a bully?
32 "Why not?" you say. Because God can't stand twisted souls. It's the straightforward who get his respect.
33 God's curse blights the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.