Proverbs 24:17-19
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. Fret not yourself because of evildoers, and be not envious of the wicked,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse doesn't just say not to be glad when an enemy falls into trouble, but specifically warns against letting your heart be glad when they stumble. This points to the inner attitude, guarding against even secret joy or satisfaction at their misfortune, because God sees the heart and can even turn that calamity back on you.
This verse appears in a section of Proverbs that offers wisdom on how to live justly and wisely. It follows a warning against plotting harm and a reminder that even the righteous man can fall into trouble but will rise again. The passage immediately before this verse discusses the danger of scheming against others, setting the stage for a contrast in how we should react to the misfortunes of our adversaries.
We often think of Old Testament commands as applying only to public enemies, but what if this verse challenges that idea, even in our personal lives?
This passage strongly cautions against rejoicing when an enemy suffers, whether they fall into 'mischief' or 'trouble.' While the Old Testament did allow for celebration at the defeat of public enemies of God and His people (like Pharaoh's army), this command is about our personal response to those who are our enemies. It’s a call to check our hearts, not just our actions. The joy here isn't about righteous judgment on evil, but about selfish delight in another's misfortune. This echoes the deeper call to love our enemies, a principle found in both Testaments.
What if even hidden, internal gladness at someone's pain can displease God and invite His correction?
This verse isn't just about outward behavior; it speaks to the inner disposition. 'Let not your heart be glad' points to a warning against even secret, unexpressed joy. The commentaries highlight that God sees our hearts. Taking pleasure in an enemy's troubles, even if no one else knows, can be seen as a 'wrong spirit' by God. This sinful delight could provoke Him to turn the trouble from your enemy back onto you, making you face a sorrow that eclipses any wicked joy you felt.
Understand the original words
oyeb · Hebrew Noun
An adversary or opponent. Biblical teaching emphasizes loving one's enemy and avoiding vindictiveness, recognizing that ultimate justice belongs to God.
leb · Hebrew Noun
The seat of the intellect, will, and emotions in biblical anthropology; the center of a person's moral life and decision-making.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of the Creator and Redeemer God of Israel; the self-existent One who is faithful to His promises and judges the hearts of men.
ra'a · Hebrew Verb
A feeling of resentment, displeasure, or indignation, often resulting in a change of action or the withholding of favor. God's displeasure is triggered by attitudes that violate His moral character, such as pride or malice.
This Old Testament passage directly commands the Israelites to help their enemies' animals if they are lost or overburdened, revealing that the principle of loving enemies was present long before Jesus. It underscores the radical nature of Proverbs' command not to rejoice in an enemy's downfall.
Matthew 5:44Jesus expands on the Old Testament principle by explicitly commanding believers to 'love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.' This New Testament teaching echoes and elevates the sentiment found in Proverbs, showing its enduring importance across covenants.
Luke 6:37This verse from Jesus' teachings presents a similar idea, stating, 'Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.' It links the avoidance of judgment and condemnation to extending forgiveness, aligning with the spirit of not rejoicing in an enemy's misfortune.
Romans 12:14Paul exhorts believers to 'Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.' This instruction directly opposes the impulse to feel glad when an enemy suffers, emphasizing a positive and gracious response instead.
Proverbs 25:21This closely related proverb offers a beautiful counterpoint: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.' It provides a practical, loving action that stands in stark contrast to rejoicing in their suffering, reinforcing the positive command to show kindness.
pooleProverbs 24:17: "Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:"
Falleth, to wit, into mischief, as in the former verse. Please not thyself in his destruction; which plainly shows that the love of our enemies is a precept of the old law as well as of the gospel. See Exodus 23:4,5 .
jfbProverbs 24:17: "Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:"
17, 18. Yet let none rejoice over the fate of evildoers, lest God punish their wrong spirit by relieving the sufferer (compare Pr 17:5; Job 31:29).
The verse doesn't just say not to be glad when an enemy falls into trouble, but specifically warns against letting your heart be glad when they stumble. This points to the inner attitude, guarding against even secret joy or satisfaction at their misfortune, because God sees the heart and can even turn that calamity back on you.
This verse appears in a section of Proverbs that offers wisdom on how to live justly and wisely. It follows a warning against plotting harm and a reminder that even the righteous man can fall into trouble but will rise again. The passage immediately before this verse discusses the danger of scheming against others, setting the stage for a contrast in how we should react to the misfortunes of our adversaries.
This verse appears in a section of Proverbs that offers wisdom on how to live justly and wisely. It follows a warning against plotting harm and a reminder that even the righteous man can fall into trouble but will rise again. The passage immediately before this verse discusses the danger of scheming against others, setting the stage for a contrast in how we should react to the misfortunes of our adversaries.
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aph · Hebrew Noun
A burning or strong emotion of divine judgment against sin and unrighteousness; God's anger is His settled, holy opposition to all that is contrary to His nature.
charah · Hebrew Verb
To be distressed, agitated, or anxious; often used in the context of being disturbed by the apparent success of the ungodly in a fallen world.
qana · Hebrew Verb
A feeling of resentment or jealousy regarding the success, prosperity, or status of others, specifically those who have gained through unrighteous means. It signifies a lack of trust in God’s ultimate justice.
"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. Fret not yourself because of evildoers, and be not env…" — The verse doesn't just say not to be glad when an enemy falls into trouble, but specifically warns against letting your heart be glad when they stumble. This points to the inner attitude, guardin…
