WISDOM FROM GOD – “ENVY THOU NOT THE OPPRESSOR”

Let us continue our study of Proverbs chapter three. The wisdom of God is there for our taking in all the pages of the Bible. The book of Proverbs has concentrated wisdom of God in its verses. It is placed by the LORD for our learning and our benefit. Let us look at Proverbs 3:31-32. 
– “31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. 32 For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.” – Proverbs 3:31-32

For our meditation this morning, let us look at Proverbs 3:31. 
– “31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.” – Proverbs 3:31
We learn two things from the above verse – 1- “ENVY THOU NOT THE OPPRESSOR” and 2- “CHOOSE NONE OF HIS WAYS” 

1- ENVY THOU NOT THE OPPRESSOR
Envy is always evil. Envy is sinful in its nature and essence. Evny is not desirable. Envy is wickedness at its best and refined form. 

Envy, if we have noticed, is always associated with the OPPRESSOR and the VIOLENT man, in some form or the other. Who is an OPPRESSOR or a VIOLENT man? The OPPRESSOR and the VIOLENT man most certainly are evil people, people who are cold, calculative and cruel. They hesitate not to do anything and everything to get what they want. Look at the geo-politics of the world, and we will get plenty of examples.

The OPPRESSOR or a VIOLENT man has no hesitation, nor any second thoughts to hurt, harm, destroy and kill anyone and everyone, as long as they get what they want. Hence the Bible very clearly, without any confusion says to us – “ENVY THOU NOT THE OPPRESSOR” – there are no two ways about it. The reason is found in Proverbs 14:30…
– “30 A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones.” – Proverbs 14:30

2- “CHOOSE NONE OF HIS WAYS”
The LORD, to re-emphasise the seriousness and the significance of we not ENVYING the OPPRESSOR and the VIOLENT man, tells us bluntly, “CHOOSE NONE OF HIS WAYS.” This simply means don’t go anywhere near the OPPRESSOR or the VIOLENT man, nor learn any of his ways. The emphasis is forceful and intentional by the LORD, for anyone who cares to listen. 

The reason being, the LORD counts all such people evil and abhors them intensely. Herein is found a list of all what an OPPRESSOR or a VIOLENT man does.
– “16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” – Proverbs 6:16-19

The words that the Bible speaks to us through verse 31 are powerful, enlightening and empowering – if only we take them seriously. The following Bible verses should help us gain clarity over any doubts, that we still may have.
– 19 Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked; 20 For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.” – Proverbs 24:19-20
– “17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. 18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.” – Proverbs 23:17-18
– “​1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. 2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. 3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” – Psalms 37:1-3 

The words of our LORD, as written in the Bible may be bitter to swallow, and painful to implement. However, the LORD is good, and He intends good for us…if only we wish to take them seriously, and apply them wholeheartedly to our lives.
– The Word of God doesn’t intend for a soft landing, so that such words don’t disturb our peace and tranquility.
– The Word of God does not mince words.
– It does not sugar-coat sin and try to make it palatable for us. 
– It requires honesty, integrity and courage, on our part, to read the words of our LORD in the Bible, take them seriously, and then apply them unequivocally to our lives.
– Such an approach helps us grow in the LORD. 
– Such an attitude of learning helps us be transformed from within.
– The Bible wants to be straight and simple, so that we don’t miss the point, even if that means, we get hurt.
– The straightforwardness and bluntness of the Word of God is intended for our good and our benefit.

Where do we stand dear brothers and sisters, this morning? Do we have envy in our hearts? Do we like the oppressor and the violent man? Do we want to adopt the ways and means of the oppressor in our lives? Do we associate with the oppressors and violent men in our thoughts, ideas and ideals? Do we condemn oppression and violence when we see it? Are we silent, undisturbed, and unbothered about oppression and violence happening around us? If so, we better take a hard and closer look at our hearts and our minds. It is better we check it, if we have silently begun to love the oppressors and the violent men. It is EVIL. It is SIN. The LORD ABHORS it. What do we do? Let us seek the LORD that He graciously help us walk on the right tract. Even so, the LORD help us.