Proverbs 24:17–18: Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; Lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him, And He turn away His wrath from him.
Insight
God is disgusted with those who gloat over someone’s failure. Gloating over the disasters experienced by the poor is condemned in; gloating is not even permitted when an enemy has a problem. Gloating may cause God to side with one’s enemy and to withdraw His wrath … from that enemy. God hates gloating because it suggests a superior attitude over others. 1
Application
It is best to boast in the greatness of God and not in our own achievements. What has God done recently in your life that would give you a reason to boast in Him? Will you declare the goodness of God to another person today?
Motivation
He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished. Proverbs 17:5
If you can not encourage another believer, then it is best to remain silent. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, thank You for always being faithful, even when I have little faith.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: Poetry (Proverbs) (electronic ed., Vol. 20). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
