Why should we not rejoice when our enemy falls (Proverbs 24:17)?

Answer

Proverbs 22:17—24:34 includes thirty “Sayings of the Wise” gathered to foster faith in God, caution or advise against improper attitudes and behaviors, and guide those in search of wisdom from the Lord. Proverbs 24:17–18 warns, “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles, lest the LORD see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him” (ESV).

This proverb advises those seeking wisdom to be cautious not to rejoice when an enemy faces misfortune. The term “rejoice” is rendered as “gloat” in other translations (NIV, CSB). This term refers to “observing or thinking about something with triumphant and often malicious satisfaction, gratification, or delight.” Gloating over an enemy’s misfortune is linked to a haughty and mocking demeanor. It can be challenging to resist the temptation to gloat when our enemy encounters difficulties, but the Scriptures state, “Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished” «Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: And he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished. », (Proverbs 17:5, NLT).

God constantly observes our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7; Jeremiah 17:10; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 3:11). Jesus instructed us to love and forgive both enemies and friends, and to pray for our persecutors «But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; », (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).

In (Luke 6:27-28), as Jesus hung on the cross, He practiced what He preached by forgiving His torturers and executioners. He said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” (Luke 23:34). The first Christian martyr followed Christ’s example. While Stephen was being stoned to death, he prayed for God to have mercy on his accusers (Acts 7:57-60).

If we disobey these commands and revel in our enemy’s downfall, we reveal attitudes of pride and superiority that God hates (Proverbs 16:5; Proverbs 8:13; James 4:6). According to the proverb, if God sees us gloating when our enemy experiences a disaster, He may yield, turning His anger away from our enemy. The Lord may even turn against us in punishment. “Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: And he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.” (Proverbs 17:5).

The same disciple who retaliated by chopping off his enemy’s ear (John 18:10-11) later taught, “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing” – “not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that you should inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:9, NLT). Taking malicious delight in someone else’s failure is a form of revenge and an evil that God fo

rbids. Peter grew to understand that God wants His followers to “turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it” «Let him eschew evil, and do good; Let him seek peace, and ensue it. », (1 Peter 3:11).

To rejoice when our enemy falls is the opposite of expressing genuine Christian love, which Paul outlined in Romans 12. “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. . . . Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath” (Romans 12:14-19). Paul went on to cite Proverbs 25:21–22: “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.”

Why do we not rejoice when our enemy falls? Because the believer’s ultimate goal is to see an enemy become a brother or sister in Christ. The Lord taught us to accomplish this by treating our enemies with kindness, generosity, and humility (Matthew 5:39,43-48). We “conquer evil by doing good” «Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.», (Romans 12:21, NLT). Just as God’s kindness is intended to turn us away from our sin «Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? », (Romans 2:4), our kindness might be just the thing to turn an enemy

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