Proverbs 3:34

Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.

Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. Retribution in kind. "Surely" - literally, if, or since [ 'im (H518)]; seeing that (Job 14:5; Gejer). Or else, 'As surely as He scorneth the scorners, so surely doth He give grace to the lowly.' James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5, quote it, "God resisteth (Greek, setteth himself in array against) the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." The antithesis or contrast between "scorneth" and "giveth grace" requires that grace here should include externally manifested favour (note, Proverbs 3:4) in the sight of God and man, as well as internal grace. "The scorners" through pride set themselves in array against God (Proverbs 1:22); therefore God sets Himself in array against them (James 4:6), and puts them at last to open scorn. They scorn the lowly pious, saying, See what good success results from their piety! God therefore, in turn, makes them an object of lasting scorn (Psalms 2:4); but He giveth grace inward and spiritual now, and grace outward and manifested at last to the lowly pious. Of them it may be said as Sallust says of Cato, 'The less he sought glory the more he obtained it.'