Proverbs 3:33-35

YHWH's Dealings With Both The Righteous And The Wicked (Proverbs 3:33).

As regularly in the first four Chapter s (Proverbs 1:32; Proverbs 2:21; Proverbs 4:18) the section ends with a contrast between YHWH's dealings with the righteous/ lowly/wise and the wicked/scoffers/fools, although the language here is stronger, referring to cursing and blessing in good Deuteronomic fashion. This stresses the fact that God divides mankind into two, one section being those who hear and respond to His word and wisdom, the other referring to those who neglect (the naive), ignore (the fools) or are scornful of (the mockers) His word and wisdom (compare Proverbs 1:22).

Proverbs 3:33

‘The curse of YHWH is in the house of the wicked,

But he blesses the dwellingplace of the righteous,

Surely he scorns the scorners,

But he gives grace to the lowly,

The wise will inherit glory,

But shame will be the promotion of fools.'

The first contrast is between those who are under the curse of YHWH and those who are blessed by Him. This is strong language but makes good sense in the light of Deuteronomy 27-28. It is a reminder of the fact that God treats sin seriously. The consequences for those who are cursed are laid out in Deuteronomy 28:15, ideas which can be seen as reflected in Proverbs 1:26. It brings impoverishment to men's lives. The consequences for those who are blessed are found in Deuteronomy 28:1, and are reflected in Proverbs 3:9; Proverbs 3:16. It results in general wellbeing. This approach suggests that Solomon had the teaching of Deuteronomy 27-29 in mind. It is the wicked (i.e. the non-righteous who make little attempt to obey the covenant) who are cursed, in other words all who do not continue in the book of instruction (the Torah) of YHWH to do it (Deuteronomy 27:26). They are ‘wicked' because they do not listen to the voice of God. Their continual thoughts, words and deeds are displeasing to Him. They may appear to be decent, good-living people, but their hearts are not right before God. In contrast are those who seek after and follow God's wisdom, who ‘listen to the voice of YHWH their God' (Deuteronomy 28:2), for these are blessed with long life, prosperity and good reputation. Note that the blessing or cursing falls on the whole household (compare Exodus 20:5). The assumption is being made that the children will follow in their father's footsteps (Proverbs 20:7; Proverbs 22:6). However, as the Scripture constantly makes clear, God always leaves it open for an individual to be different. An example of this is Saul's son Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9)

God scorns the scorners, in the same way as His Wisdom did in Proverbs 1:26. He mocks their folly, as the consequences that they deserve come upon them. They had been arrogant (they had not been ‘lowly') and had scoffed at His word. Now God mocks their worldly wisdom as judgment comes upon them. In contrast are the lowly, those who humbly receive His wisdom, who are not too proud to listen to God, and pay heed to His wisdom, and to them God gives gifts of ‘grace' (see on Proverbs 3:22). He adorns them with spiritual beauty. It is a fulfilment of Proverbs 3:22. For the use of this verse in the New Testament (in LXX) see Jas 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5.

The third couplet does not mention YHWH, but we should note that the language assumes His activity. The wise can only ‘inherit' because there is One from Whom they inherit (in Proverbs 8:21 it is from God's wisdom). This language of inheritance from YHWH occurs regularly (Genesis 15:7 and often), and indicates God acting in undeserved favour, a favour which can however be forfeited by disobedience. Thus the wise who follow God's wisdom (the righteous, the lowly) will inherit from YHWH ‘glory', in contrast with ‘shame'. In Isaiah 17:3 the ‘glory of the children of Israel' is their combined wealth and possessions. Compare Genesis 31:1 where it refers to the possessions that Jacob had received from Laban. The same idea is probably to be found here. YHWH will ensure that they prosper.

In contrast ‘shame will be the promotion (merim) of fools'. The root behind ‘promotion' (rum) refers to lifting up', and therefore ‘setting up', and therefore ‘producing' (Exodus 16:20). Fools produce shame for themselves. But some relate it to the root ‘acquire, purchase' (mur). Fools buy shame for themselves. Either way the idea is that rather than ‘inheriting' shame, they in some way obtain it for themselves. They bring shame on themselves, either because of their behaviour, or because they lose their possessions (their ‘glory') which gave them status.