Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just a warning against bad behavior; it's a call to recognize that the "success" of the violent is often a deceptive lure. We're warned not just against the actions of oppressors, but against the very envy that makes their ill-gotten gains appear desirable, highlighting a subtle trap that wisdom helps us avoid.
Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage directly follows the wisdom of God's commands and the blessedness of trusting Him. It contrasts the deceptive allure of worldly success gained through unjust means with the true and lasting rewards found in following divine wisdom. Therefore, the verse warns against coveting the ill-gotten gains and harmful practices of those who achieve prosperity through violence and oppression.
Ever seen someone succeed through questionable means and felt a pang of envy? This verse warns us about that exact feeling.
Solomon isn't just telling us not to steal; he's warning against the desire for ill-gotten gains. The 'man of violence' is someone who uses force, deceit, or oppression to get ahead. Their success might look appealing – wealth, power, ease – but it's a mirage.
The Trap of Appearance
We often get sidetracked by the outward show of prosperity. Someone who is ruthless or unjust might seem to be thriving. But the Bible consistently reminds us that this outward success is temporary and hollow.
True Wealth vs. Fleeting Gain
The verse urges us not to 'envy' them. This means not wishing we were in their shoes, not coveting their possessions, and not desiring their lifestyle. True contentment comes from following God's ways, not from chasing after the spoils of the wicked.
It's not enough to avoid envy; we must actively reject the ways of those who do wrong.
The second part of the verse, 'do not choose any of his ways,' is a call to action. It means we must consciously and deliberately distance ourselves from the methods and mindsets of the violent or oppressive. This isn't passive; it requires an active choice.
Rejecting the Methods
This applies to how we conduct our business, our relationships, and our ambitions. Are we tempted to cut corners, manipulate others, or use aggression to get what we want? The verse says a firm 'no' to all such tactics.
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Embracing God's Way
Instead of following their paths, we are called to walk in wisdom and righteousness, trusting that God's way, though sometimes harder in the short term, leads to true and lasting peace and favor. This means choosing integrity, kindness, and justice, even when it's not the easiest or most profitable route.
Understand the original words
qana' · Hebrew Verb
A feeling of discontent or covetousness regarding another's success, possessions, or status, often implying a desire to deprive them of it. In wisdom literature, it is warned against because it stems from a lack of trust in God’s sovereignty.
chamas · Hebrew Noun
An individual characterized by cruelty, physical harm, or lawlessness. In Proverbs, the man of violence is one who lives in direct opposition to God's ordered moral universe.
This Psalm directly addresses the issue of not envying the wicked, even when they seem to prosper through unjust means, mirroring the counsel in Proverbs.
Matthew 6:33This verse offers a profound alternative to pursuing worldly gain through questionable means: seeking God's kingdom and righteousness first, trusting He will provide.
Romans 12:2It calls believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, urging them not to conform to the patterns of this world, which includes not adopting the ways of violent or unjust people.
Galatians 5:19-21This passage lists 'works of the flesh' that often lead to violence and strife, underscoring why one should not envy or emulate those who practice them.
1 Peter 4:15It warns against suffering as a 'murderer, or a thief, or a wrongdoer,' highlighting that embracing violent ways is contrary to a righteous life and will ultimately lead to divine judgment.
gillProverbs 3:31: "Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways."
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 Psal…
clarkeProverbs 3:31: "Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways."
Envy thou not the oppressor - O how bewitching is power! Every man desires it; and yet all hate tyrants. But query, if all had power, would not the major part be tyrants?
This verse isn't just a warning against bad behavior; it's a call to recognize that the "success" of the violent is often a deceptive lure. We're warned not just against the actions of oppressors, but against the very envy that makes their ill-gotten gains appear desirable, highlighting a subtle trap that wisdom helps us avoid.
This passage directly follows the wisdom of God's commands and the blessedness of trusting Him. It contrasts the deceptive allure of worldly success gained through unjust means with the true and lasting rewards found in following divine wisdom. Therefore, the verse warns against coveting the ill-gotten gains and harmful practices of those who achieve prosperity through violence and oppression.
This passage directly follows the wisdom of God's commands and the blessedness of trusting Him. It contrasts the deceptive allure of worldly success gained through unjust means with the true and lasting rewards found in following divine wisdom. Therefore, the verse warns against coveting the ill-gotten gains and harmful practices of those who achieve prosperity through violence and oppression.
"Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways," — This verse isn't just a warning against bad behavior; it's a call to recognize that the "success" of the violent is often a deceptive lure. We're warned not just against the actions of oppressors,…
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Last reviewed October 2026