“Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.”
— Proverbs 3:31 (KJV)
When we were children, some of us sang that old rhyme: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” We sang it loud, maybe with a bold tongue stuck out at a bully. But let’s be honest—that wasn’t the truth. Words can cut deeper than any stone. They linger. They echo. They plant themselves in the soil of the heart.
Wars have started because of words. Families have been torn apart because of words. And far too many women, men, and children live with wounds not from blows, but from sentences replaying in their minds like a scratched record.
Walking in Wisdom: Watch the Way You Walk
Scripture tells us plain: don’t envy the oppressor, and don’t choose his ways. Don’t let cruel voices teach you their language. Don’t let hateful tongues set the tone in your home. Not every loud voice is a wise one. Not every powerful person is blessed. Some folk strut like kings but leave nothing but ashes in their trail.
The Power of Your Own Words
Words are seeds. They can bring forth fruit—good or bitter. That’s why Proverbs says:
- “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (18:21)
- “A fool’s mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul.” (18:7)
If you walk with violent men, you’ll start speaking like them. If you surround yourself with oppressors, you’ll find yourself justifying their ways. But if you align your tongue with God’s Word—speaking life, compassion, truth, and justice—you’ll walk in His strength, not theirs.
A Call to Live Differently
- Take inventory of your speech: What are you declaring about yourself, your children, your community?
- Refuse envy: Don’t admire the oppressor’s fruit—it’s rotten at the core.
- Speak life daily: Build yourself up. Build others up. Let your words be a covering, not a curse.
Final Word
The oppressor may look like he’s winning, but don’t be fooled. His ways only lead to ruin. Choose none of his ways. Instead, choose the path of life with your words. Because every word we speak is a seed—and we will surely eat its fruit.
