Proverbs 3:34
New International Version
He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.

New Living Translation
The LORD mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble.

English Standard Version
Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.

Berean Standard Bible
He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.

King James Bible
Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.

New King James Version
Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble.

New American Standard Bible
Though He scoffs at the scoffers, Yet He gives grace to the needy.

NASB 1995
Though He scoffs at the scoffers, Yet He gives grace to the afflicted.

NASB 1977
Though He scoffs at the scoffers, Yet He gives grace to the afflicted.

Legacy Standard Bible
Though He scoffs at the scoffers, Yet He gives grace to the humble.

Amplified Bible
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].

Christian Standard Bible
He mocks those who mock but gives grace to the humble.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He mocks those who mock, but gives grace to the humble.

American Standard Version
Surely he scoffeth at the scoffers; But he giveth grace unto the lowly.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD sneers at those who sneer at him, but he is kind to everyone who is humble.

English Revised Version
Surely he scorneth the scorners, but he giveth grace unto the lowly.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When he mocks the mockers, he is gracious to humble people.

Good News Translation
He has no use for conceited people, but shows favor to those who are humble.

International Standard Version
Though God scoffs at scoffers, he gives grace to the humble.

Majority Standard Bible
He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.

NET Bible
Although he is scornful to arrogant scoffers, yet he shows favor to the humble.

New Heart English Bible
Surely he is scornful to scoffers, but he gives grace to the humble.

Webster's Bible Translation
Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace to the lowly.

World English Bible
Surely he mocks the mockers, but he gives grace to the humble.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
If He scorns the scorners, "" Yet He gives grace to the humble.

Young's Literal Translation
If the scorners He doth scorn, Yet to the humble He doth give grace.

Smith's Literal Translation
But he will deride to those deriding: and he will give grace to the humble.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He shall scorn the scorners, and to the meek he will give grace.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He will ridicule those who ridicule, but he will bestow grace upon the mild.

New American Bible
Those who scoff, he scoffs at, but the lowly he favors.

New Revised Standard Version
Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he shows favor.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Surely he despises scorners; but he has compassion on the wise.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he will overthrow mockers, and he will hover over the wise.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
If it concerneth the scorners, He scorneth them, But unto the humble He giveth grace.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The Lord resists the proud; but he gives grace to the humble.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Blessings of Wisdom
33The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the righteous. 34 He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble. 35The wise will inherit honor, but fools are held up to shame.…

Cross References
James 4:6
But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Peter 5:5
Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Psalm 138:6
Though the LORD is on high, He attends to the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar.

Isaiah 57:15
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.

Matthew 23:12
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Luke 1:52
He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble.

Luke 14:11
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Luke 18:14
I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Job 22:29
When men are brought low and you say, ‘Lift them up!’ then He will save the lowly.

Isaiah 66:2
Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.

Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Matthew 11:29
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.

1 Corinthians 1:28-29
He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence.


Treasury of Scripture

Surely he scorns the scorners: but he gives grace to the lowly.

he scorneth

Isaiah 57:15
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

James 4:6
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

1 Peter 5:5
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Jump to Previous
Afflicted Concerneth Favor Gives Grace Humble Lowly Makes Mockers Mocks Pride Proud Scoffers Scoffeth Scoffs Scorn Scorners Scorneth Scornful Shows Sport Surely
Jump to Next
Afflicted Concerneth Favor Gives Grace Humble Lowly Makes Mockers Mocks Pride Proud Scoffers Scoffeth Scoffs Scorn Scorners Scorneth Scornful Shows Sport Surely
Proverbs 3
1. various exhortations
13. The gain of wisdom
27. Exhortation to goodness
33. the different state of the wicked and upright














He mocks the mockers
This phrase highlights the principle of divine justice, where God opposes those who are arrogant and scornful. The term "mockers" refers to individuals who are prideful and dismissive of God's wisdom and authority. In biblical context, mockers are often associated with those who reject God's law and live in rebellion against Him. This concept is echoed in Psalm 1:1, where the "seat of mockers" is contrasted with the path of the righteous. The idea of God mocking the mockers can be seen as a form of poetic justice, where the scorn they show towards others and God is turned back upon them. This reflects the broader biblical theme that God resists the proud, as seen in James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5, emphasizing that pride leads to downfall.

but gives grace to the humble
This part of the verse underscores the biblical principle that humility is a virtue that attracts God's favor. The "humble" are those who recognize their need for God and submit to His will. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, humility was often seen as weakness, but the Bible consistently presents it as a strength and a pathway to receiving God's grace. This is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, as seen in Matthew 5:5, where the meek are promised the inheritance of the earth, and in Philippians 2:5-11, where Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate example of humility. The promise of grace to the humble is a reassurance of God's kindness and mercy, offering hope and encouragement to those who choose to live in submission to Him. This grace is not earned but is a gift, aligning with the New Testament teachings on salvation by grace through faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Mockers
Individuals who are arrogant, scornful, and dismissive of wisdom and instruction. In the context of Proverbs, they are often contrasted with the wise and the humble.

2. The Humble
Those who are modest, teachable, and open to receiving wisdom and correction. They are often depicted as recipients of God's favor and grace.

3. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. His writings often contrast the paths of wisdom and folly.

4. The Lord
The ultimate source of wisdom and grace, who actively opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.

5. The Book of Proverbs
A collection of wise sayings and teachings attributed to Solomon, focusing on practical living and the fear of the Lord as the foundation of wisdom.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Pride
Pride leads to mockery and scorn, setting oneself against God. Recognize the subtle ways pride can manifest in your life and seek to root it out.

The Blessing of Humility
Humility opens the door to God's grace. Cultivate a humble heart by acknowledging your need for God and being open to correction and growth.

God's Active Role
Understand that God actively opposes the proud. This is not passive; it is a deliberate stance against those who elevate themselves above others and God.

Grace as a Gift
Grace is not earned but given. Position yourself to receive it by living a life marked by humility and reverence for God.

Practical Humility
Practice humility in daily interactions by listening more than speaking, valuing others above yourself, and being willing to admit mistakes.(34) Surely he scorneth the scorners.--Rather, If, or, Although he scorns the scorners, yet to the lowly he giveth grace. Another form of the teaching of Proverbs 1:24-33. If man rejects God's offers of mercy, they will in time be withdrawn from him. And so, as man deals with God, will God at last deal with him. (Comp. Leviticus 26:23-24; Psalm 18:25-26; Psalm 81:11-12; Romans 1:24-26.) The verse is quoted in James 4:6 and 1Peter 5:5. . . . Verse 34. - Surely he scorneth the scorners; literally, if with regard to the scorners he scorneth (im lalletsim hu yalits); i.e. he repays scorn with scorn; or, as Rabbi Salomon, "He renders to them so that they fall in their own derision (reddit ipsis ut in sua derisione corruant)." He renders their schemes abortive. He resists them. The scorners (letsim) are those who treat with scoffing regard the precepts and truths of God; the arrogant, proud, insolent, here placed in contrast with "the lowly." Vulgate, derisores; LXX., ὐπερήφανοι, "the overbearing." The לְ for (l'ha), prefixed to letsim, signifies "with regard to," as in Job 32:4 (cf. Psalm 16:3, "With regard to the saints (lik'ddshim), in them only I delight"). But he giveth grace unto the lowly; or, on the other hand, the לְה prefixed to laanayim, "to the lowly," having that antithetical force here as in Job 8:20. The lowly (anayyim); Vulgate, mansueti; LXX., ταπωῖνοι; properly, "the afflicted," with added notion of submission and lowly demeanour, and hence the meek, gentle - the gentle towards man, and the abased and lowly before God. St. James (James 4:6) quotes the LXX. of this passage, "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble." With the exception of substituting Κύριος for Θεός (cf. 1 Peter 5:5), our Lord's parable of the Pharisee and publican illustrates the teaching of this verse (Luke 18:9-14).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He
הֽוּא־ (hū-)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

mocks
לַלֵּצִ֥ים (lal·lê·ṣîm)
Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 3887: Ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker

those who mock,
יָלִ֑יץ (yā·lîṣ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3887: Ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker

but gives
יִתֶּן־ (yit·ten-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

grace
חֵֽן׃ (ḥên)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2580: Graciousness, subjective, objective

to the humble.
וְ֝לַעֲנָוִ֗ים (wə·la·‘ă·nā·wîm)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 6041: Poor, afflicted, humble


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 3:34 Surely he mocks the mockers but he (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 3:33
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