What does Proverbs 3:31 teach about the consequences of choosing violence? Core Verse “Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways.” – Proverbs 3:31 Two Clear Commands in One Short Line • “Do not envy” – refuse to admire, crave, or applaud the apparent success of a violent person. • “Do not choose” – resist copying or adopting even one of his methods. Why We’re Warned Against Violence • Violence can look effective: quick results, forced respect, material gain. • That outward success is short-lived; hidden costs always surface. • The verse links admiration (“envy”) with imitation (“choose”): what we esteem, we eventually practice. Immediate Context Paints the Outcome Read two verses farther: • Proverbs 3:32 – “For the LORD detests the perverse, but He is a friend to the upright.” • Proverbs 3:33 – “The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the righteous.” The violent person is in the “perverse” and “wicked” category, bringing God’s curse rather than His favor. Consequences of Choosing Violence • God’s Detestation: The Lord “detests” those who walk in perversion (Proverbs 3:32). • Divine Curse: Violence places one’s household under judgment instead of blessing (Proverbs 3:33). • Self-Destruction: “They ambush their own lives” (Proverbs 1:18). • Retribution: “The violence of the wicked will sweep them away” (Proverbs 21:7). • Loss of God’s Presence: “Those who love violence, His soul hates” (Psalm 11:5). Supporting Scriptures that Echo the Warning • Genesis 9:6 – “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed.” • Matthew 26:52 – “All who draw the sword will die by the sword.” • Galatians 6:7 – “Whatever a man sows, he will reap.” • Romans 12:19 – “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” The Better Path Set Opposite Violence • Pursue uprightness: “The LORD … is a friend to the upright” (Proverbs 3:32). • Seek peace: “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). • Trust God’s justice: “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will act” (Psalm 37:5). Take-Home Highlights • Violence may promise fast gains; Scripture guarantees lasting loss. • Admiring violent people is the first step toward resembling them. • Choosing peace aligns us with God’s friendship, blessing, and protection. |
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