Proverbs 24:17
Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
Original Language Analysis
בִּנְפֹ֣ל
falleth
H5307
בִּנְפֹ֣ל
falleth
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
1 of 8
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
3 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּשְׂמָ֑ח
Rejoice
H8055
תִּשְׂמָ֑ח
Rejoice
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
4 of 8
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
וּ֝בִכָּשְׁל֗וֹ
when he stumbleth
H3782
וּ֝בִכָּשְׁל֗וֹ
when he stumbleth
Strong's:
H3782
Word #:
5 of 8
to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
6 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
Cross References
Obadiah 1:12But 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.Proverbs 17:5Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.Job 31:29If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him:Psalms 35:15But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not:Psalms 35:19Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.Psalms 42:10As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?Judges 16:25And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison house; and he made them sport: and they set him between the pillars.
Historical Context
Proverbs 25:21-22 commands feeding hungry enemies. Jesus taught loving and praying for persecutors. This radical grace distinguished God's people from pagan cultures that celebrated enemies' destruction.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you celebrate when those who wronged you suffer, or do you show grace?
- How can you cultivate godly sorrow over necessary judgment rather than vindictive joy?
Analysis & Commentary
'Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth'—don't celebrate when those who opposed you suffer judgment. This commands remarkable grace: instead of vindictive joy, show restraint even toward enemies. Verse 18 explains why: 'lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.' Gloating over judgment might cause God to show mercy to your enemy (to humble your pride) and judgment to you. This teaches that vengeance belongs to God alone; our response should be sober recognition of justice, not gleeful celebration. Paul echoes this in Romans 12:14-21—bless persecutors, don't seek revenge. Such grace reflects God's character and Christ's teaching to love enemies. Even when God judges wickedness justly, avoid prideful gloating.