Proverbs 3:34

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 3:34 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Surely he scoffeth at the scoffers; But he giveth grace unto the lowly.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Surely he scoffeth at the scoffers; But he giveth grace unto the lowly.
Proverbs 3:34 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
34Surely he scoffeth at the scoffers; But he giveth grace unto the lowly.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Surely he scorneth the scorners, etc.] That make a mock at sin, a jest of religion, that scoff at the doctrines of the Gospel and the professors of it; these the Lord looks upon, laughs at, and has them in derision. The Greek version and two apostles render it, “he resisteth the proud”, (<600505>1 Peter 5:5 <590406>James 4:6). Such who are haughty and arrogant, that exalt themselves and despise others; as those of a pharisaical spirit are and do, are abhorred and despised by the Lord; he sets himself against them, is their enemy, “and scatters [them] in the imagination of their hearts”, (<420151>Luke 1:51). L’Empereur observesf83 that this version is quite agreeable to the Hebrew text and…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The retribution of sinners, as in Psa 18:26.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“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 the giving impulse. The Septuagint adds the caution: “for thou knowest not what the morrow will bring forth.” Proverbs 3:29 Securely - i. e., “With full trust,” without care or suspicion. Compare Judges 18:7, Judges 18:27. Proverbs 3:31 A protest against…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“he scorneth: Pro 9:7, Pro 9:8, Pro 9:12, Pro 19:29, Pro 21:24; Psa 138:6 he giveth: Isa 57:15; Jam 4:6; Pe1 5:5 Proverbs 3:35”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“His relation to men is determined by their relation to Him. As for the scorners, He scorneth them, But to the lowly He giveth grace. Most interpreters render the verse thus: "If the scorner He (even He, in return) scorneth, so He (on the other hand) giveth grace to the lowly." For the sequence of the words in the consequence, in which the precedence of the verb is usual, e.g., Lev 12:5, we are referred to Pro 23:18, cf. Pro 24:14; but why had the poet placed the two facts in the relation of condition and consequence? The one fact is not the consequence but the reverse of the other, and accordingly they are opposed to each other in coordinated passages, Psa 18:26. The Vav in such antitheses…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification