Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.
Do not envy the man of violence and do not select or copy any part of his course. The oppressor is the wealthy wrongdoer, and his ways to be refused are selfish and oppressive ways that take advantage of others. This caution stands within the extended appeal of the opening seven chapters of Proverbs to accept correction and to take the road of wisdom, which is the road of life, instead of a road that ends in destruction. The motive given is that the devious or crooked person is detestable to the Lord.
The oppressed and the oppressor occupy opposite sides, so no sympathy or admiration should go toward oppression. The right response is to turn away from oppression and to walk with Christ, who Himself was oppressed and afflicted. To covet the success of the wicked injures the one who covets it. Wrongdoing in the end falls back upon the one who sets it in motion, except where the mercy of God steps in to prevent it.
Do not envy the man of violence and do not select or copy any part of his course. The oppressor is the wealthy wrongdoer, and his ways to be refused are selfish and oppressive ways that take advantage of others. This caution stands within the extended appeal of the opening seven chapters of Proverbs to accept correction and to take the road of wisdom, which is the road of life, instead of a road that ends in destruction. The motive given is that the devious or crooked person is detestable to the Lord.
The oppressed and the oppressor occupy opposite sides, so no sympathy or admiration should go toward oppression. The right response is to turn away from oppression and to walk with Christ, who Himself was oppressed and afflicted. To covet the success of the wicked injures the one who covets it. Wrongdoing in the end falls back upon the one who sets it in motion, except where the mercy of God steps in to prevent it.