Proverbs 24:17 kjv

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

Proverbs 24:17 nkjv

Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;

Proverbs 24:17 niv

Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice,

Proverbs 24:17 esv

Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,

Proverbs 24:17 nlt

Don't rejoice when your enemies fall;
don't be happy when they stumble.

Proverbs 24 verses

Proverbs 24 17 Meaning

This proverb instructs believers not to take delight or find satisfaction in the misfortune or downfall of an enemy or adversary. It goes beyond mere outward restraint, penetrating to the disposition of the heart, forbidding any inner gladness or exultation when an enemy experiences trouble or fails. Such malicious joy reveals an unrighteous character and goes against the very nature and will of God.

Proverbs 24 17 Context

Proverbs chapter 24 is part of "further sayings of the wise" (Proverbs 24:23). It contains diverse instructions on righteous living, moral conduct, and the consequences of wisdom versus foolishness. Themes include diligent work, avoiding violence, discerning judgment, and personal discipline. Verse 17 specifically addresses one's internal disposition toward others, especially those considered adversaries. Historically, societies often celebrated the downfall of enemies. This proverb, like others, provides a counter-cultural command, setting a high standard for internal moral purity, reflecting God's character. It guards against malice and self-righteousness, promoting a perspective aligned with divine justice and compassion rather than human vindictiveness.

Proverbs 24 17 Word analysis

• Do not rejoice (תִּשְׂמַח - tishmaḥ): This comes from the root ś-m-ḥ (שמח), meaning to be glad, rejoice, or be joyful. It's a general term for positive emotional exhilaration. The command here specifically forbids taking pleasure in the context of an enemy's distress.

• when your enemy falls (בְּנְפֹל אֹיִבְךָ - benəp̄ōl ʾoyeveḵā):

  • Falls (benəp̄ōl from nāphal - נפל): Implies a downward movement, collapsing, ruin, or even death. It refers to a setback, a major misfortune, or suffering.
  • Your enemy (ʾoyeveḵā from ʾôyēḇ - אויב): Designates one who is hostile, hates, or acts as an adversary. This is not about a personal preference but an acknowledged hostile relationship. The instruction applies even to those actively working against you.

• and do not let your heart be glad (וְאַל יָגֵל לִבְּךָ - veʾal yāgēl libbəḵā):

  • Let your heart be glad (yāgēl libbəḵā from gīl - גיל): gīl signifies exultation, jubilation, or triumph. It suggests a more intense, demonstrative form of joy, often expressed outwardly but also rooted deeply within the heart. This intensifies the first prohibition, focusing on the core of one's being.
  • Your heart (libbəḵā from lēḇ - לב): In Hebrew thought, the "heart" is the seat of intellect, will, emotion, and character—the totality of the inner person. This makes the proverb profound, addressing the inward disposition, not merely outward conduct. It requires a profound moral discipline that transcends mere external behavior.

• when he stumbles (בְּכִשְׁלוֹ - bekhišelô):

  • Stumbles (bekhišelô from kāshal - כשׁל): Refers to tripping, falling into difficulty, stumbling morally, or facing misfortune. This parallels "falls" but perhaps implies a lesser, yet still significant, misstep or downfall. The prohibition covers any level of misfortune, from a small stumble to a catastrophic fall.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles.": The proverb employs parallelism (synonymous and intensifying parallelism). The two clauses reiterate and amplify the same core message, emphasizing that neither mild internal satisfaction ("rejoice") nor strong, triumphant jubilation ("heart be glad") is permitted, covering both significant "falls" and smaller "stumbles." This demonstrates the thoroughness of the command, extending to every aspect of an adversary's misfortune. It reveals that the prohibition is not just against outwardly celebrating, but primarily against an internal attitude of malice or vindictive pleasure. This attitude is contrary to the Spirit of God and a foundational principle for cultivating righteousness, which prepares the way for acts of love toward adversaries.

Proverbs 24 17 Bonus section

The admonition in Proverbs 24:17 forms a vital component of biblical ethics, pushing beyond common human instincts for retribution and self-vindication. It highlights the often-hidden sin of the heart, emphasizing that God judges not only actions but also motives and attitudes. The implicit message is that malicious joy corrupts the soul, potentially leading to pride and an uncharitable spirit that undermines the very righteousness God seeks to develop in His people. It positions human hearts to reflect divine attributes of mercy and longsuffering rather than to mirror the world's desire for an eye for an eye. This internal discipline sets believers apart and aligns their spiritual formation with the character of Christ, who prayed for His executioners.

Proverbs 24 17 Commentary

Proverbs 24:17 issues a profound moral injunction that transcends simple social etiquette; it probes the very core of human character. The wisdom here instructs against schadenfreude, the perverse pleasure derived from another's misfortune, specifically that of an enemy. This is not merely a suggestion but a direct command ("Do not...") which implies that such rejoicing is sinful in the sight of God. The reason behind this prohibition lies in God's own nature, for He Himself takes no pleasure in the death or suffering of the wicked (Ezek 18:23, 33:11). To rejoice in an enemy's downfall, therefore, aligns oneself with a spirit contrary to God's compassion and desire for repentance.

This proverb establishes a crucial ethical standard that guards the heart against pride, malice, and self-righteousness. It is a severe test of one's spiritual maturity, demanding a disciplined inner life that cultivates humility and genuine empathy, even for those who are hostile. Furthermore, rejoicing in an enemy's misfortune usurps God's prerogative for justice. Vengeance belongs to the Lord, and human delight in others' pain indicates a lack of trust in God's perfect judgment and timing. When individuals take pleasure in their adversaries' calamities, they not only grieve the Holy Spirit but also invite God's disapproval upon themselves (as indicated in the very next verse, Prov 24:18). Instead of celebration, the righteous are called to a higher path, demonstrating acts of kindness and mercy towards those who oppose them, as taught in Romans 12:20.

• Practical Usage:
  • When someone who has wronged you faces a professional setback, resisting the urge to spread gossip or silently cheer their misfortune.
  • Upon hearing about an accident involving a difficult neighbor, offering prayer or practical help instead of privately thinking they deserved it.
  • In situations of personal conflict, actively praying for your opponent's well-being and seeking reconciliation rather than wishing them ill.