Proverbs 3:31 (Mini Sermon)
Submitted by Pastor Chad Wagner on Thursday, December 19, 2019.
31. Pro 3:31 - "Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways." A. Envy thou not the oppressor, i. Oppressor n. - 1. One who oppresses; esp. one who harasses with unjust or cruel treatment. ii. Oppress v. - 1. trans. To press injuriously upon or against; to subject to pressure with hurtful or overpowering effect; to press down by force; to crush, trample down, smother, crowd. iii. Stupid men (and women) who have oppressive tendencies often gravitate to government where they can trample down people on a large scale (Pro 28:16). iv. Oppressors have power on their side and wield it against the weak (Ecc 4:1). v. Often oppressors are wealthy because they take advantage of people and defraud them (Pro 73:3-8), but we should never envy their prosperity. vi. We are warned repeatedly in scripture to not envy the wicked (Psa 37:1; Pro 23:17). B. and choose none of his ways. i. Avoid the temptation to choose the ways of the oppressor and desire to be with him (Pro 24:1). ii. It may look like they have it good and get away with it, but it will not go well with them forever (Ecc 8:12-13; Psa 73:12-19).
