"Surely He [Jehovah] scorneth the scorners: but He giveth grace unto the lowly."
Proverbs 3:34
Our verse speaks to the actions of Jehovah and how He treats individuals. It is interesting that even though He offers “pardon and peace to all,” yet most people reject His gracious offer.
“His relation to men is determined by their relation to Him”[1] (K&D).
This verse is translated by most translators as, “If the scorner He (even He, in return) scorneth, so He (on the other hand) giveth grace to the lowly”[2] (K&D).
This Proverb is quoted by Peter (1 Peter 5:5) and James (James 4:6), just as it was written in the Greek version of the Old Testament.[3] What is “scorn”? The OT Hebrew word used in this verse means “to scorn,…talk arrogantly…to boast…to mock, deride,…to be inflated, scoff, act as a scorner, show oneself a mocker”[4] (BDB). Obviously, the sinner’s scorn comes out of his/her proud heart.
“Surely He scorneth the scorners.”
Here’s an important question. Who does the scorn begin with, in this verse? Sinners, of course. The “scorners,” open the scoffing. Ultimately the scorners will get what is coming to them as God mocks them.
“He will show by his plagues that their scorn will turn to their own destruction…”[5] (Geneva Bible, footnote).
“Divine retribution,” His judgment, is what the old-timers understood that scorners call down upon their own rebellious heads.
“I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh” (Proverbs 1:26).
“With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward” (Psalms 18:26).
“But He giveth grace unto the lowly.”
What an excellent conjunction, “but!” A statement, and then a complete change of thought and direction. We have seen in the Word, how Jehovah treats arrogant scoffers, but… to those who are not “proud” scorners, and are the lowly humble ones, He gives grace!
“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6).
To the proud mockers, we plead with you to repent of your pride and arrogance and turn to the very LORD you reject. He offers grace and pardon from sin to those who repent. These “last days” are the “days of grace,” “now is the time” to trust Him. Tomorrow, His judgment will fall upon the unrepentant sinners. Come to Him now while you may receive His grace rather than His scorn.
Quote: “Nothing sets a person so much out of the devil’s reach as humility”[6] (Jonathan Edwards).
[1] Keil & Delitzsch, Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament, the electronic version in eSword.
[2] Keil & Delitzsch, ibid.
[3] The Septuagint (LXX).
[4] Brown, Driver, Briggs. Brown-Driver-Briggs’ Hebrew Definitions, the electronic version in eSword.
[5] The Geneva Bible, Translation Notes, in the electronic version in eSword.
[6] Jonathan Edwards, Henry Rogers, Sereno Edwards Dwight (1839). “The Works of Jonathan Edwards”, p.399.