09/29/2023
Stop celebrating your enemies 💀 or demise. No matter how wicked they are you have no excuse.
Proverbs 22:17—24:34 contains thirty “Sayings of the Wise” compiled to nurture faith in God, correct or warn against wrong attitudes and behaviors, and instruct those seeking wisdom from the Lord. Proverbs 24:17–18 cautions, “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles, lest the LORD see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him” (ESV).
This saying warns wisdom seekers to be careful not to celebrate when an enemy experiences misfortune. The word for “rejoice” is translated as “gloat” in other versions. This term means “to observe or think about something with triumphant and often malicious satisfaction, gratification, or delight.” Gloating over an enemy’s misfortune is associated with an arrogant and mocking attitude. It’s not easy to control the urge to gloat when our enemy experiences hardship, but Scripture says, “Those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished” (Proverbs 17:5, NLT).
God is always watching our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7; Jeremiah 17:10; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 3:11). Jesus taught us to love and forgive both enemies and friends and pray for our persecutors (Matthew 5:44). “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27–28). As Jesus hung on the cross, He practiced what He preached, forgiving His torturers and executioners (Luke 23:34). The first Christian martyr followed Christ’s example. As Steven was being stoned to death, he prayed for God to have mercy on his accusers (Acts 7:57–60). (Proverbs 16:5; 8:13; James 4:6). (Proverbs 17:5).
