Proverbs 24:18 kjv

Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

Proverbs 24:18 nkjv

Lest the LORD see it, and it displease Him, And He turn away His wrath from him.

Proverbs 24:18 niv

or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them.

Proverbs 24:18 esv

lest the LORD see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him.

Proverbs 24:18 nlt

For the LORD will be displeased with you
and will turn his anger away from them.

Proverbs 24 verses

Proverbs 24 18 Meaning

Proverbs 24:18 delivers a strong warning against taking pleasure or delight in the misfortune or downfall of an enemy. Such an attitude is deeply offensive and displeasing in the sight of the LORD. The verse then reveals a surprising divine consequence: if an individual gloats over an enemy's struggle, God, observing this wicked heart attitude, may choose to turn His wrath away from that very enemy, thereby extending unexpected mercy and possibly thwarting the gloater's desire for retribution. This emphasizes that divine justice and compassion operate according to God's perfect standards, not based on human vindictiveness or desire for vengeance.

Proverbs 24 18 Context

The verse directly builds upon the preceding Proverb 24:17, "Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth." While verse 17 issues a direct ethical command, verse 18 provides the profound theological reason and divine consequence behind that command, revealing God's perspective and potential reaction. It moves from outward action to inward heart attitude and God's sovereign response.

Proverbs Chapter 24 is part of a larger collection of wise sayings, offering practical wisdom for righteous living and personal conduct. Within this broader context, the chapter covers various themes, including integrity, diligence, foresight, and interactions with authority and neighbors. The instruction regarding treatment of enemies underscores the chapter's emphasis on embodying God's character in daily life, even in challenging situations.

Historically and culturally, ancient Near Eastern societies often condoned, and even encouraged, open displays of joy and triumph over defeated enemies. Vengeance and honor were strong motivations. Proverbs 24:17-18 stands in stark contrast to these prevailing societal norms. It functions as a counter-cultural polemic, advocating for a divine standard of self-restraint and compassion, even towards those one considers adversaries. It powerfully communicates that justice and retribution ultimately belong to God, not to humans seeking personal gratification from an enemy's downfall.

Proverbs 24 18 Word analysis

• "Lest" (Hebrew: Pen, פֶּן): This conjunction introduces a strong cautionary note, warning of an undesirable consequence to be avoided. It signifies "for fear that" or "so that... not," setting up a potential negative outcome for the action about to be described.

• "the LORD" (Hebrew: Yahweh, יְהֹוָה): This is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal involvement, sovereignty, and moral authority. It highlights that the warning comes from the divine Judge, who holds the ultimate say in matters of justice and mercy.

• "see it" (Hebrew: Ra'ah, רָאָה): Signifies God's full and comprehensive perception. It implies God's omniscience, meaning He sees not just outward actions but the hidden motivations and emotional states of the heart, including malice or vindictive joy.

• "and it displease him" (Hebrew: Ve'ra' be'eynayw, וְרַע בְּעֵינָיו - literally, "and evil in His eyes"): This idiomatic expression denotes strong moral disapproval. It means that the act of rejoicing over an enemy's fall is profoundly wrong, repulsive, and offensive from God's holy perspective. It implies an abomination, not merely a minor fault.

• "and he turn away his wrath" (Hebrew: Veheshiyv me'alav apo, וְהֵשִׁיב מֵעָלָיו אַפּוֹ - literally, "and He turn away His nose/anger from upon him"): This is the critical, paradoxical consequence. "His wrath" refers to God's just judgment or indignation that was perhaps directed towards the fallen enemy. The act of "turning away" signifies a withdrawal of this judgment, an act of mercy.

• "Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him": This phrase underscores God's active, discerning involvement in human morality, particularly in assessing inner attitudes. It highlights that the Almighty is watching and judging our hidden reactions to events, especially those involving the suffering of others. Our inner sentiments matter deeply to God.

• "and he turn away his wrath from him": This clause reveals a powerful, unexpected divine response. The human desire to see an enemy suffer more or for justice to be meted out can be frustrated by God's intervening mercy. The very act of gloating, driven by a wish for the adversary's ongoing misfortune, may provoke God to show grace to that very person. This demonstrates God's independence from human vengeful desires and His preference for mercy when humans are excessively vindictive.

Proverbs 24 18 Bonus section

This proverb serves as a powerful deterrent against spiritual pride and a misguided sense of entitlement to personal retribution. It shows that even when facing true adversaries, our attitude should align with God's ultimate desire for grace and righteousness, not our base desire for vengeance. God's prerogative to administer justice and extend mercy is exclusively His, and any human attempt to usurp that by gloating is met with His displeasure. The verse teaches that rather than celebrating another's demise, we should learn humility, lest we too fall, or unintentionally invite God's compassion upon our "enemy" when our own hearts become hardened by spite. It pushes believers to a higher spiritual ground, where divine love and compassion trump human animosity and satisfaction in others' misfortune.

Proverbs 24 18 Commentary

Proverbs 24:18 encapsulates a vital principle of divine justice and human responsibility. It challenges the human propensity for vengefulness, warning that such a heart attitude displeases God. The surprising turn in the proverb reveals that God's justice is not contingent on our malice. Rather, our vindictive joy might trigger God's compassionate intervention for the very person we wish to see condemned, by His turning away the wrath that might have been upon them. This forces believers to trust God's sovereign timing and methods for justice, rather than delighting in personal retribution. It underscores a call to cultivate humility, empathy, and a deep reliance on divine mercy, recognizing that our reactions directly affect how God may act. For example, if someone wrongs us and then faces hardship, our inward celebration can impede the spiritual lesson both for us (in showing mercy) and potentially for the other person (in receiving mercy or further consequence). This teaching urges us to mimic God's own patience and longsuffering rather than succumbing to ungodly desires for vengeance.