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Proverbs 3:31 Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways;
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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Don’t envy violent people or copy their ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Do not envy the oppressor, And choose none of his ways;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not envy a violent person, And do not choose any of his ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Do not envy a man of violence And do not choose any of his ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Do not envy a man of violence, And do not choose any of his ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Do not envy a man of violence And do not choose any of his ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Do not envy a man of violence And do not choose any of his ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don’t envy a violent man or choose any of his ways;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don’t envy a violent man or choose any of his ways; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Envy thou not the man of violence, And choose none of his ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't be jealous of cruel people or follow their example. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Envy thou not the man of violence, and choose none of his ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Do not envy a violent person. Do not choose any of his ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Don't be jealous of violent people or decide to act as they do, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not envy a violent man, and do not emulate his lifestyle. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do not envy a violent man, and do not choose to imitate any of his ways; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Do not envy the man of violence. Choose none of his ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Don’t envy the man of violence. Choose none of his ways. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not be envious of a man of violence, "" Nor fix on any of his ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Be not envious of a man of violence, Nor fix thou on any of his ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not envy against a man of violence, and thou shalt choose in all his ways.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Envy not the unjust man, and do not follow his ways: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Do not rival an unjust man, and do not imitate his ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Do not envy the violent and choose none of their ways: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not envy the violent and do not choose any of their ways;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Do not envy a wicked man, and choose none of his ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And do not envy an evil man, neither desire any of his ways;<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Envy thou not the man of violence, And choose none of his ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Procure not the reproaches of bad men, neither do thou covet their ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/3-31.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=545" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/3.htm">The Blessings of Wisdom</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">30</span>Do not accuse a man without cause, when he has done you no harm. <span class="reftext">31</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7065.htm" title="7065: tə·qan·nê (V-Piel-Imperf-2ms) -- To be jealous or zealous. A primitive root; to be zealous, i.e. jealous or envious.">envy</a> <a href="/hebrew/2555.htm" title="2555: ḥā·mās (N-ms) -- Violence, wrong. From chamac; violence; by implication, wrong; by meton. Unjust gain.">a violent</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: wə·’al- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing."></a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: bə·’îš (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man</a> <a href="/hebrew/977.htm" title="977: tiḇ·ḥar (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To choose. A primitive root; properly, to try, i.e. select.">or choose</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: bə·ḵāl (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">any</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: də·rā·ḵāw (N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">of his ways;</a> </span><span class="reftext">32</span>for the LORD detests the perverse, but He is a friend to the upright.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-2.htm">Exodus 23:2</a></span><br />You shall not follow the crowd in wrongdoing. When you testify in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-1.htm">Psalm 37:1-2</a></span><br />Of David. Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. / For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender plants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/73-3.htm">Psalm 73:3</a></span><br />For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-1.htm">Proverbs 24:1-2</a></span><br />Do not envy wicked men or desire their company; / for their hearts devise violence, and their lips declare trouble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-19.htm">Proverbs 24:19-20</a></span><br />Do not fret over evildoers, and do not be envious of the wicked. / For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/3-11.htm">Isaiah 3:11</a></span><br />Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-11.htm">Isaiah 41:11</a></span><br />Behold, all who rage against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will be reduced to nothing and will perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/12-1.htm">Jeremiah 12:1-2</a></span><br />Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? / You planted them, and they have taken root. They have grown and produced fruit. You are ever on their lips, but far from their hearts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/habakkuk/1-13.htm">Habakkuk 1:13</a></span><br />Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing. So why do You tolerate the faithless? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/3-15.htm">Malachi 3:15</a></span><br />So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, they even test God and escape.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-5.htm">Matthew 5:5</a></span><br />Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44-45</a></span><br />But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, / that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-28</a></span><br />But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-35.htm">Luke 6:35</a></span><br />But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19-21</a></span><br />Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” / On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” / Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Envy you not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.</p><p class="hdg">envy</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/23-17.htm">Proverbs 23:17</a></b></br> Let not thine heart envy sinners: but <i>be thou</i> in the fear of the LORD all the day long.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/24-1.htm">Proverbs 24:1,19,20</a></b></br> Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-1.htm">Psalm 37:1,7-9</a></b></br> <i>A Psalm</i> of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity… </p><p class="hdg">the oppressor</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:8</a></b></br> If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for <i>he that is</i> higher than the highest regardeth; and <i>there be</i> higher than they.</p><p class="hdg">choose</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-15.htm">Proverbs 1:15-18</a></b></br> My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/2-12.htm">Proverbs 2:12-15</a></b></br> To deliver thee from the way of the evil <i>man</i>, from the man that speaketh froward things; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/12-12.htm">Proverbs 12:12</a></b></br> The wicked desireth the net of evil <i>men</i>: but the root of the righteous yieldeth <i>fruit</i>.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/1-29.htm">Choose</a> <a href="/psalms/106-16.htm">Envious</a> <a href="/psalms/112-10.htm">Envy</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/17-3.htm">Example</a> <a href="/psalms/119-15.htm">Fix</a> <a href="/psalms/107-2.htm">Oppressor</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-19.htm">Violence</a> <a href="/psalms/140-11.htm">Violent</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-17.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/8-10.htm">Choose</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-17.htm">Envious</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-30.htm">Envy</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">Example</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-25.htm">Fix</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-31.htm">Oppressor</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-17.htm">Violence</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-17.htm">Violent</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-26.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">various exhortations</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">The gain of wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/3-27.htm">Exhortation to goodness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/3-33.htm">the different state of the wicked and upright</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Do not envy a violent man</b><br>This phrase warns against the temptation to admire or desire the lifestyle of those who achieve success through violence or aggression. In biblical context, violence is often associated with sin and rebellion against God's order (<a href="/genesis/6-11.htm">Genesis 6:11-13</a>). The Hebrew word for "violent" can also imply injustice or oppression, suggesting a broader warning against those who gain power or wealth through unethical means. The Bible consistently portrays violence as contrary to God's character, who is described as a God of peace (<a href="/philippians/4-9.htm">Philippians 4:9</a>). This admonition aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized peacemaking and loving one's enemies (<a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9, 44</a>).<p><b>or choose any of his ways;</b><br>This part of the verse advises against adopting the behaviors or strategies of violent individuals. The "ways" of a violent man may include deceit, manipulation, or coercion, all of which are condemned throughout Scripture (<a href="/proverbs/6-16.htm">Proverbs 6:16-19</a>). The cultural context of ancient Israel, where this proverb was written, often saw power struggles and conflicts, making this warning particularly relevant. Choosing the ways of violence leads to a path of destruction, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like Cain (<a href="/genesis/4-8.htm">Genesis 4:8-12</a>) and Absalom (2 Samuel 15-18). Instead, believers are encouraged to follow the ways of wisdom and righteousness, which lead to life and peace (<a href="/proverbs/3-17.htm">Proverbs 3:17</a>, <a href="/james/3-17.htm">James 3:17-18</a>). This aligns with the teachings of Christ, who is the embodiment of wisdom and calls His followers to a life of humility and service (<a href="/matthew/11-29.htm">Matthew 11:29</a>, <a href="/john/13-14.htm">John 13:14-15</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/v/violent_man.htm">Violent Man</a></b><br>This refers to individuals who use force or aggression to achieve their goals. In the context of ancient Israel, such people might have been warriors, oppressors, or those who gained wealth through unjust means.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where wisdom literature was a key part of teaching and moral instruction.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/a/avoid_envy.htm">Avoid Envy</a></b><br>Envy can lead to destructive behavior and a departure from God's path. Instead of envying the success of the wicked, trust in God's justice and timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reject_violence.htm">Reject Violence</a></b><br>Choosing the ways of a violent person leads to moral and spiritual decay. Christians are called to live peacefully and seek justice through righteous means.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seek_wisdom.htm">Seek Wisdom</a></b><br>Proverbs consistently emphasizes the value of wisdom. Seek God's wisdom to discern right from wrong and to live a life that honors Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_justice.htm">Trust in God's Justice</a></b><br>The success of the wicked is temporary. Trust that God will ultimately bring justice and reward those who live righteously.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/embrace_godly_role_models.htm">Embrace Godly Role Models</a></b><br>Surround yourself with individuals who exemplify Christ-like behavior and avoid those who lead you away from God's principles.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_witchcraft.htm">What does the Bible say about abuse and guilt?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_respond_to_abuse.htm">How should we respond to acts of abuse?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_stance_on_rioting.htm">What is the Bible's stance on rioting?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_abuse_and_guilt.htm">What does the Bible say about abuse and guilt?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 31.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.</span> The thought of strife in the preceding verse leads to that of oppression, and the precept is directed against fellowship with those who outrage the general law of benevolence and justice, <span class="accented">Envy not</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> as Stuart, "Do not anxiously covet the booty which men of violence acquire." Success and wealth may follow from severity and extortion, but the man who acquires prosperity by these means is not to be envied even by the victim of his oppression (for the verb, see <a href="/proverbs/23-17.htm">Proverbs 23:17</a>; <a href="/proverbs/24-1.htm">Proverbs 24:1, 19</a>). <span class="accented">The oppressor</span> (<span class="accented">ish khamas</span>); literally, <span class="accented">a man of violence</span> (see margin). The expression occurs in <a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Proverbs 14:29</a>; <a href="/psalms/18-41.htm">Psalm 18:41</a>, and in its plural form, <span class="accented">ish khamamim</span>, "man of violences," in <a href="/2_samuel/22-49.htm">2 Samuel 22:49</a>; <a href="/psalms/140-1.htm">Psalm 140:1, 4</a>. The man of violence is one who "grinds the faces of the poor," and whose conduct is rapacious, violent, and unjust. <span class="accented">And choose none of his ways</span>; literally, <span class="accented">and choose not all his ways, i.e.</span> with a view to acquire the same wealth, greatness, and power. The LXX. renders this verse, "Do not acquire the hatred of evil men, neither be jealous of their ways," evidently from having taken <span class="accented">tiv'khar</span>, "choose," in the second hemistich, for <span class="accented">tith'khan</span>, "be jealous." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/3-31.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">envy</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּ֭קַנֵּא</span> <span class="translit">(tə·qan·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7065.htm">Strong's 7065: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be, zealous, jealous, envious</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a violent</span><br /><span class="heb">חָמָ֑ס</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·mās)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2555.htm">Strong's 2555: </a> </span><span class="str2">Violence, wrong, by meton, unjust gain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">man</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּאִ֣ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or choose</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּ֝בְחַ֗ר</span> <span class="translit">(tiḇ·ḥar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_977.htm">Strong's 977: </a> </span><span class="str2">To try, select</span><br /><br /><span class="word">any</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּכָל־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of his ways;</span><br /><span class="heb">דְּרָכָֽיו׃</span> <span class="translit">(də·rā·ḵāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/3-31.htm">Proverbs 3:31 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/3-31.htm">Proverbs 3:31 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/3-31.htm">Proverbs 3:31 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/3-31.htm">Proverbs 3:31 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/3-31.htm">Proverbs 3:31 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/3-31.htm">Proverbs 3:31 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/3-31.htm">Proverbs 3:31 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/3-31.htm">Proverbs 3:31 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/3-31.htm">Proverbs 3:31 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/3-31.htm">Proverbs 3:31 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/3-31.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 3:31 Don't envy the man of violence (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/3-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 3:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 3:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/3-32.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 3:32"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 3:32" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>