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God Favors the Humble

Proverbs 3:33-35 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

³³Jehovah’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
    but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
³⁴Toward those who scorn, he is scornful,
    but to the humble he gives favor.
³⁵The wise will inherit honor,
    but the stupid ones glorify dishonor.^[1]

Jehovah’s curse is on the house of the wicked: Curse (מְאֵרָה meerah) when it is toward a human from the supernatural, it is what is spoken to punish, i.e., injure another causing misery or death (a spell in sorcery). However, when a curse is spoken by God, such as is the case here, it is a pronouncement of a forthcoming punishment on someone, like when a court hands down a just sentence on a criminal. The house of the wicked (Heb. bǎ·yiṯ rā·šāʿ) is referring figuratively to the house, person, or persons, i.e., the wicked one’s lives and livelihood. Wicked: (רָשָׁע rasha) This is the unrighteous who are evil, being guilty of willfully and purposely violating the standards of God. The Old Testament refers to the one who refuses to acknowledge or obey God. In the book of Proverbs explicitly, it refers to the foolish one who ignores or refuses to follow the divine teachings of God. It is a state or condition of evil that focuses on violating God’s laws or standards. – Prov. 3:33; 18:3.

But he blesses the dwelling of the righteous: Bless: (בָּרַךְ barak) When it refers to God blessing a human it is pronouncing good or showing favor, having favorable circumstances or state at a future time (Gen. 1:22), for those who have a righteous standing before him. Righteous; upright; just: (Heb. ṣǎd·dîq) refers to one who is in a righteous standing before God, who is characterized by righteous actions and morals in accordance with God’s moral standards. (Gen. 18:23-24) Dwelling: (Heb. nā·wě(h)) is any kind of house that one lives in as a home. Here, though, like house in line one, it is referring figuratively to person or persons, i.e., this time, the righteous or just one’s lives and livelihood.

Toward those who scorn, he is scornful: Scorner; scoffer; mocker; babbler: (לֵץ lēṣ) refers to someone who mocks, jeers, or treats another with contempt, or calls out to them in disdain, ridicule, and contempt. (Psa. 1:1; Prov. 1:22; 3:34; 9:7, 8; 13:1; 14:6; 15:12; 19:25, 29; 20:1; 21:11, 24; 22:10; 24:9; Isa. 29:20) Here in this context, these ones believe themselves to be superior or greater than others.

But to the humble he gives favor: Humble: (עָנִי ani) refers to a modest, unassuming, and straightforward person, who lacks arrogance, hubris, or pride (Zech. 9:9) This is one whom Satan’s world has afflicted, the victim of suffering pain, injury, or harm physically or emotionally.

The wise will inherit honor: Wise; shrewd: (חָכָם chakam) is one who has the capacity for understanding and discernment (Prov. 10:8), who has acquired the teachings of wisdom, whom we can trust to guide us. Inherit: (נָחַל nachal) can refer to one who receives something from another who has died. However, Proverbs 3:35, it is referring to one who obtains or receives honor. Honor: (כָּבוֹד kabod) is high respect, esteem, praise, or recognition that is given by those who recognize a person as being wise.

But the stupid ones glorify dishonor: Stupid Ones; Foolish Ones: (כְּסִיל kesil) is a person who lacks good judgment, lacks understanding, inferring rebellion. (Prov. 10:18) This is a person who shows a rude and arrogant lack of respect, i.e., a rebel against the standard (principles of conduct informed by notions of honor and decency) or person. (Prov. 10:18)

Many people are struggling to have even the basics of life. They are just one paycheck from living on the streets. It is very difficult to live by Bible principles, and at the same time, we see those living a life of luxury and pleasure because they are men of violence. It can be tempting to be envious of such ones. However, we need to keep in mind that this is only a temporary pleasure for the wicked. Why? Such devious persons are an abomination to Jehovah. The wicked one’s actions will only lead to his eventual destruction. However, the upright one will live as a friend of God, carrying the hope of life.

Envy is foolish because Jehovah (1) will curse the wicked and bless the righteous. (2) He will scorn those who scorn, mock, or ridicule, and he will favor the humble. In addition, (3) he will honor the wise one while disgracing the foolish one. – James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5.

[1] Lit raise high dishonor