Proverbs 24:17

KJV

¶ Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

KJV (with Strong's)

Rejoice {H8055} not when thine enemy {H341} falleth {H5307}, and let not thine heart {H3820} be glad {H1523} when he stumbleth {H3782}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't rejoice when your enemy falls; don't let your heart be glad when he stumbles.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles,

American Standard Version

Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, And let not thy heart be glad when he is overthrown;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 24:17 delivers a profound ethical command, urging believers to actively resist the natural human inclination to find satisfaction or joy in the misfortune, failure, or suffering of an adversary. This verse transcends mere outward behavior, penetrating to the very core of the heart's disposition, calling for a radical cultivation of compassion, humility, and trust in divine justice, even when faced with those perceived as enemies.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 24:17 is situated within a distinct collection of wisdom sayings often referred to as "further sayings of the wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34). This section, while part of the broader book of Proverbs, offers practical, divinely inspired guidance for navigating complex social and ethical situations, often presenting a more direct, didactic tone than some of the pithier Solomonic proverbs. The immediate context is crucial, as Proverbs 24:18 provides the divine rationale for the prohibition: "Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him." This explicit divine warning underscores that the command in verse 17 is not merely a social nicety or a suggestion for good etiquette, but a deeply theological injunction rooted in God's character, His active observation of human hearts, and His sovereign control over circumstances. It stands as a pivotal ethical instruction, contributing to the book's overarching aim of shaping a righteous and discerning life that aligns with God's will. The wisdom here is fundamentally about internal posture, not just external action, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of righteousness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, societies often operated on principles of retribution, honor-shame dynamics, and tribal loyalties. Vengeance for wrongs committed against one's family, clan, or even personal honor was not only accepted but frequently expected and celebrated. Gloating over a defeated enemy was a common expression of triumph, the restoration of honor, and the assertion of power. Against this pervasive cultural backdrop, the command in Proverbs 24:17 presents a remarkably counter-cultural and elevated ethical standard. It challenges the prevailing ethos of reciprocal harm and instead calls for an internal posture that reflects a higher moral code, one that transcends personal grievances and the desire for vindication. This wisdom literature often pushed against the common practices of the day, advocating for a divine perspective on human relationships and justice that prioritized compassion and trust in divine sovereignty over human retaliation. It was a radical call to a different way of living and relating to adversaries.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several key themes found throughout the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it champions **compassion over vengeance**, directly prohibiting the internal delight in an enemy's downfall, thereby demanding an empathetic and restrained response even towards adversaries. This is a foundational ethic that foreshadows the New Testament's radical call to [love one's enemies](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies") and pray for those who persecute, as taught by Jesus. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine observation and justice**, implying that God sees the heart's true inclinations and that gloating could provoke His displeasure, potentially altering His judgment, as explicitly stated in [Proverbs 24:18](/proverbs/24-18 "Proverbs 24:18 - God's Displeasure at Gloating"). This reinforces the idea that vengeance belongs to the Lord, a principle powerfully echoed in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is the Lord's"). Thirdly, the verse underscores the importance of **moral integrity and purity of heart**, emphasizing that true wisdom involves controlling one's inner reactions and desires, not just outward actions, thus building character that reflects God's own righteous and merciful nature. The proverb calls for an internal transformation that aligns with God's character.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **enemy (Hebrew, _ʼôyêb'_):** From H341, meaning "hating; an adversary." This term refers to someone who is hostile, an opponent, or a foe. The proverb does not qualify the enemy, implying that this command applies to any individual who might be considered an adversary, regardless of the nature or perceived justification of their enmity. The instruction is therefore broadly applicable to all relationships marked by opposition, demanding a universal ethical standard.
* **falleth (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** From H5307, meaning "to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)." This word encompasses a wide range of misfortunes, setbacks, or failures. It could refer to a literal fall, a social downfall, a moral collapse, or any adverse circumstance. The generality of the term emphasizes that the prohibition against rejoicing applies to any form of adversity an enemy might experience, from minor setbacks to catastrophic ruin.
* **rejoice (Hebrew, _sâmach'_):** From H8055, meaning "to brighten up, i.e. (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome; cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice." This term, along with "be glad" (H1523, _gîyl_, meaning "to spin round... usually rejoice"), denotes a strong, exuberant, and often triumphant form of joy. The use of two such strong verbs in parallel underscores the intensity of the prohibited emotion, highlighting that even a subtle internal satisfaction is contrary to the wisdom being imparted. The command targets the very core of one's emotional response.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth":** This opening clause issues a direct, emphatic prohibition against experiencing joy or satisfaction when an adversary encounters misfortune or experiences a significant downfall. The command is not merely about outward behavior but targets the internal disposition of the heart, forbidding the emotion of schadenfreude—pleasure derived from another's suffering. It challenges the natural human inclination to celebrate the defeat of those who oppose us, setting a high ethical standard for one's emotional and spiritual response that transcends cultural norms of vengeance and triumph. This is a call to radical self-control over one's deepest desires.
* **"and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth":** This second clause serves as a synonymous parallel, reinforcing and intensifying the initial prohibition. "Stumbleth" (from _kâshal_) refers to a lesser setback, a faltering, or a minor error, indicating that even slight misfortunes of an enemy should not be a cause for internal gladness. The phrase "let not thine heart be glad" explicitly directs the command to the inner realm of emotions and intentions, emphasizing that the ethical requirement is not just about refraining from outward expressions of joy but cultivating an internal posture of restraint, compassion, and trust in divine justice. This clause ensures the command is comprehensive, covering both major and minor adversities.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 24:17 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its profound ethical message with clarity and emphasis. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth") echoes, reinforces, and intensifies the meaning of the first ("Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth"). This repetition ensures the reader grasps the comprehensive nature of the command—it applies to both significant "falls" and minor "stumbles," and to both outward "rejoicing" (sâmach) and inward "gladness of heart" (gîyl). The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Rejoice not," "let not") directly commands the reader, making the instruction a non-negotiable moral obligation rather than a mere suggestion. Furthermore, the proverb utilizes **Antithesis** by implicitly contrasting the natural, often vengeful human reaction with the divinely desired, compassionate, and restrained response, thereby highlighting the counter-cultural and elevated nature of this wisdom. The focus on the "heart" (lêb) also employs **Synecdoche**, where the heart represents the entirety of one's inner being—emotions, will, and intellect—underscoring that the command demands a holistic transformation of one's internal disposition, not just superficial behavior.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 24:17 is deeply rooted in the character of God, who is just, merciful, and sovereign over all outcomes. The subsequent verse, Proverbs 24:18, reveals that God observes our internal reactions, and gloating over an enemy's misfortune displeases Him. This implies that such an attitude usurps God's prerogative to judge and administer justice. Instead of taking satisfaction in another's downfall, we are called to trust in God's perfect timing and righteous judgment. This principle cultivates a heart that reflects God's own patience and desire for redemption, rather than personal vindication or vengeance. It aligns with the broader biblical narrative that emphasizes love, mercy, and the pursuit of peace, even with those who are hostile, recognizing that God's ways are higher than our own.

* [Job 31:29](/job/31-29 "Job 31:29 - No Rejoicing Over Enemy's Ruin")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to God")
* [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world increasingly polarized and quick to celebrate the failures of those with whom we disagree, Proverbs 24:17 serves as a vital moral compass. It challenges us to examine the deepest recesses of our hearts, asking whether we harbor secret delight when a rival stumbles, a political opponent faces scandal, or someone who has wronged us experiences misfortune. This proverb calls us to a higher standard: to cultivate a spirit of compassion and empathy, even towards those we consider adversaries. It reminds us that our primary allegiance is to God's character, not to our own sense of personal vindication. By resisting the urge to gloat, we not only honor God but also open the door for reconciliation and demonstrate the transformative power of divine wisdom in our lives. It fosters a heart that seeks justice tempered with mercy, trusting that ultimate judgment belongs to the Lord alone, and recognizing that our own spiritual health is compromised when we harbor such ungodly joy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What situations in my life tempt me to rejoice when an "enemy" or opponent stumbles?**
* **How does the concept of God's displeasure (Proverbs 24:18) influence my understanding of this command, and how does it challenge my natural inclinations?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart of compassion and humility rather than schadenfreude towards those who oppose me?**
* **How does my response to the misfortunes of others reflect my trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty?**

### FAQ
**Why does God care if I rejoice when my enemy falls?**

Answer: God cares because such rejoicing reflects a heart that is out of alignment with His own character of mercy, justice, and sovereignty. As [Proverbs 24:18](/proverbs/24-18 "Proverbs 24:18 - God's Displeasure") immediately states, "Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him." This indicates that God observes our internal attitudes. Gloating usurps God's role as the ultimate judge and reveals a desire for personal vengeance rather than trusting in His perfect justice. It also hinders the possibility of reconciliation and demonstrates a lack of the compassion that God desires for all humanity, even for those who are currently adversaries. Our joy should be found in God's righteousness and the good of all, not in the suffering of others.

**Does this mean I shouldn't celebrate when justice is served against a wrongdoer?**

Answer: This proverb is primarily concerned with the *heart's disposition* and the *personal delight* in another's misfortune, particularly when driven by a spirit of vengeance or ill will. It's not about denying the reality of justice or the appropriate consequences for wrongdoing. When justice is served, especially in a legal or societal context, there can be a righteous satisfaction that order has been restored and victims have been vindicated. However, this differs from a malicious joy over a person's suffering. The focus remains on the *attitude* of the heart—is it a desire for personal vengeance or a recognition of God's righteous standards being upheld? The Bible consistently teaches that vengeance belongs to the Lord ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine")), and our role is to seek justice with mercy and to pray for the repentance of wrongdoers, rather than to revel in their downfall.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 24:17 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament proverb presents a remarkably counter-cultural ethic for its time, Jesus elevates this principle to its highest expression. He commanded His followers not merely to refrain from rejoicing in an enemy's downfall, but to actively [love their enemies, bless those who curse them, do good to those who hate them, and pray for those who persecute them](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies"). This radical call, found in the Sermon on the Mount, moves beyond passive non-gloating to active, self-sacrificial love that seeks the well-being and even the salvation of adversaries. Jesus Himself perfectly exemplified this ethic, even as He hung on the cross, praying, "[Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus' Prayer for Forgiveness")" for those who were actively crucifying Him. His life and death demonstrate that true spiritual maturity involves a heart transformed by grace, one that desires the repentance and salvation of all, rather than taking pleasure in anyone's destruction. The ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death on the cross was not a cause for gloating over a defeated foe, but an act of redemptive love, offering salvation to all who would believe, even those who were once His enemies by nature and rebellion ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Thus, the wisdom of Proverbs 24:17 is fully realized in the boundless compassion and redemptive mission of Christ, compelling believers to reflect His character in their own interactions with those who oppose them.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Obadiah 1:12

But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress.

Job 31:29

If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him:

Proverbs 17:5

¶ Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: [and] he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.

1 Corinthians 13:6

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

1 Corinthians 13:7

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

2 Samuel 16:5

¶ And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name [was] Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.

2 Samuel 16:14

And the king, and all the people that [were] with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there.