Proverbs 3: 31 Does this apply to Native Americans and African Americans?

Question

Proverbs 3: 31 -

Do not envy the oppressor, And choose none of his ways;

Should the oppressed follow European ways in America?

Answer 1

think of it this way...mean people breed little mean people...this proverb is basically saying not to return evil with evil. dont do to those who wrong you what they have done to you. and dont do to others what others have dont to you. rather do to others what you would have done unto you. so, yes this applys to the native american, the african, the whole world. no we shouldnt follow european ways here in america, but its too late, we already are, spiritually. the missionaries that came to convert the "savages" were more savage than the indians, even with their pagan beliefs. they knew nothing of the GOD the came in the name of. this is why so many indians hated GOD...

Answer 2

1. To your first question: you could say that. but, if looked at from a different interpretation, it reads completely differently. Based on scripturetext.com's various interpretations, Proverbs 3:31 translates the King James Version of "oppressor" to a violent person or man of violence. Written as such, the question has completely changed. You definitely would not want to take the way of a violent person. BUT, if using the KJV of "oppressor" and western education is a "way" of the oppressor, I'd have to say no. Western education is a great tool to use to live in this western world. Almost everybody, despite racial/ethnic/religious/whatever backgrounds, benefits from it. It's not perfect and it does not answer all questions; but, it greatly assists in living in this very Western environment.

As such, Yes and No... "That is my final answer."

2. To your second question: Why follow when you can lead? Ben Franklin copied the architecture of the Iroquois Nation's form of government as the basis of the USA's constitution. The Navajo Nation's Peacemaker Court system is being reviewed by court systems in the US as an efficient means of resolving matters. Lawyers don't like that. :) The holistic view of the person is becoming a multi-billion dollar industry, which Native Americans and other indigenous nations knew, lived and continue to propagate for generations to come.

Currently, Natives are learning and using the tools of the "oppressor" to assist in their communities. In most cases, Natives have modified and owned the tool to fit within their community. For example, the written Navajo language was first developed by non-Navajo anthropologists trying to document the "soon to be extinct savage." Using these early writings, other non-Navajos refined the written language to what it is today. Using this non-Navajo written language, Navajos are producing transcribed legal documents used by state and federal governments. Also, Navajos are using it to retain and continue the Navajo culture and language in schools, tribal education programs and museums. So, this "way" which was originally intended to record a dying race has turned beneficial in producing legal documents and perpetuating a culture.

Okay...I'm interested in your 2nd question. Are you saying Native Americans and African Americans are the oppressed? Are you assuming all Europeans are "King James Version" Christians? Are you referring to current European cultures versus American cultures? ORRRrr, are you referring to these "oppressors" or "men of violence" in America?

Maybe you should have asked, "Should the Native Americans and African Americans follow 'King James Version' Christian Ways in America?"

whaddup?

Answer 3

I don't think it applies to any one with the sense to stand up for what it just and right .this govt. was founded in the conception of free speech and dissent . the antiquated biblical verses don't come close to modern standards the oppressed need only follow American standards not what people erroneously claim those standards to be . We are not living in Nazi Germany and we should not forget it.

Answer 4

Is this some way of calling Christians oppressors?

I've always wondered how long it takes for people to contrive these ridiculous arguments and how much productive time is actually wasted on it?

Answer 5

Is this 2007 or 1507?

Answer 6

No, it applies to people who fear God. Both Native Americans and Africans practiced slavery, it was Christians who put an end to it.

Answer 7

In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight

Imbube a Imbube a Imbube...

Answer 8

This means; Don't bully people like the police do.

Answer 9

That's good advice, and I try to keep it in mind when I am oppresed by my government.

Sorry to answer your question, they didn't have a choice.

Answer 10

Go back to Africa. No wonder so many people believe in evolution.