by[17] “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; [18] Lest the LORD see it, and it displease Him, And He turn away His wrath from him.” – Proverbs 24:17-18 (NKJV)
I quite remember as a little boy when I used to see people praying for evil things to happen to others just because they thought or suspected such people to be harming. As I have grown up, a lot of things have changed. I certainly don’t remember many of the things that happened during that time. But Proverbs 24:17 tells me (and you) not to rejoice when an enemy falls, nor be glad in my (and your) heart when that enemy stumbles. But why? After all, they are enemies, and they deserve the worst. Right? But in Proverbs 24:18, the Bible says that God will be displeased when He sees you doing that.
Guess what? There is no need to wish evil on another person, whether the person is an enemy or even a friend. If you do that, you aren’t demonstrating God’s love, which should be shown impartially to everyone. Ask yourself this question. Before you got saved, you were God’s enemy. But He chose to love you and sent His servants to preach the gospel to you so you can receive salvation. If He extended that mercy to you, why don’t you show mercy to those who hate you?
A lot of people are living dejected and broken down by the many troubles of life. Some may behave as enemies to you, not because they want to, but because they don’t even know what they are doing (because they may be under the devil’s influence). Wish people well and don’t think of harming them because of what they do.
You are a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for giving me peace at heart. Help me to love You and others from a sincere heart, wishing them well in all their endeavours. In the name of Jesus. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2026 – 235
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