Proverbs 3:34

Proverbs 3:34 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
• New International Version (NIV)He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.
• English Standard Version (ESV)Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.
• New King James Version (NKJV)Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble.

Context of Proverbs 3:34

32For the devious are repulsive to the Lord; But His private counsel is with the upright [those with spiritual integrity and moral courage]. 33The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the home of the just and righteous. Though He scoffs at the scoffers and scorns the scorners, Yet He gives His grace [His undeserved favor] to the humble [those who give up self-importance]. 35The wise will inherit honor and glory, But dishonor and shame is conferred on fools.

Proverbs 3:34 word by word

אִם־לַלֵּצִ֥ים הֽוּא־יָלִ֑יץ וְ֝לַעֲנָוִ֗ים יִתֶּן־חֵֽן׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• Surely he scornethלִיץlûts · to mockH3887
• but he givethנָתַןnâthan · to give: giveH5414
• graceחֵןchên · favorH2580
• unto the lowlyעָנִי‛ânîy · afflictedH6041
• unto the lowlyעָנָו‛ânâv ‛ânâyv · poorH6035

Cross-references for Proverbs 3:34

• Isaiah 57:15For the high and exalted One He who inhabits eternity, Whose name is Holy says this, “I dwell on the high and holy place, But also with the contrite and humble in spirit In order to revive the spirit of the humble And to revive the heart of the contrite [overcome with sorrow for sin].
• James 4:6But He gives us more and more grace [through the power of the Holy Spirit to defy sin and live an obedient life that reflects both our faith and our gratitude for our salvation]. Therefore, it says, “God is opposed to the proud and haughty, but [continually] gives [the gift of] grace to the humble [who turn away from self-righteousness].”
• 1 Peter 5:5Likewise, you younger men [of lesser rank and experience], be subject to your elders [seek their counsel]; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another [tie on the servant’s apron], for God is opposed to the proud [the disdainful, the presumptuous, and He defeats them], but He gives grace to the humble.

Commentaries on Proverbs 3:34

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 34Surely he scorneth the scorners; but he giveth grace unto the lowly - The Septuagint has ̔ , . The Lord resisteth the proud; but giveth grace to the humble. These words are quoted by St. Peter, 1 Peter 5:5, and by St. James, James 4:6, just as they stand in the Septuagint, with the change of ̔ , God, for , the Lord.Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 27-35Verses 27-35 A marked change in style. The continuous exhortation is replaced by a series of maxims. From them to whom it is due - literally, as in the margin. The precept expresses the great Scriptural thought that the so-called possession of wealth is but a stewardship; that the true owners of what we call our own are those to whom, with it, we may do good. Not to relieve them is a breach of trust. Proverbs 3:28 Procrastination is especially fatal to…Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 27-35Verses 27-35 Our business is to observe the precepts of Christ, and to copy his example; to do justice, to love mercy, and to beware of covetousness; to be ready for every good work, avoiding needless strife, and bearing evils, if possible, rather than seeking redress by law. It will be found there is little got by striving. Let us not envy prosperous oppressors; far be it from the disciples of Christ to choose any of their ways. These truths may be…Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 32-3532-35. Reasons for the warning. froward--(Pr 2:15). secret ... righteous--in their communion (Am 3:7).Read the comment

Topics related to Proverbs 3:34

• Humility
• Infidelity
• Pride
• Quotations and Allusions
• Scoffing
• Wisdom
• Young Men

In the dictionaries

• Acknowledge
• Choose
• Confidence
• Correction
• Devise
• Discretion
• Envy
• Habitation
• Lowly
• Precious

Commentaries on Proverbs 3

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings