Bible Strands
Proverbs 3:34
He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The wisdom writer addresses learners in Israel, framing the verse between a statement about the Lord's curse on the wicked and blessing for the righteous.
The words — לֵצִים (le.Tzim) means mockers, and חֵן (Chen) means favor or grace.
The thread — The same contrast appears in James 4:6, which cites the verse to show God opposes the proud, and in 1 Peter 5:5 and Psalms 138:6, which connect humility with divine attention and submission.
Why it lands — The text states that divine mockery targets arrogance while divine favor goes to humility, requiring the reader to reject proud behavior and consciously adopt a lowly posture.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
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.”
- Psalms 138:6 Though the LORD is on high, He attends to the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar.
- Proverbs 9:12 If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences.
- Proverbs 21:24 Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man—of him who acts with excessive pride.
- 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.
- Proverbs 9:7 He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself.
- Proverbs 19:29 Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.