Proverbs 24:17 - Meaning and Application

Here, first, the pleasure we are inclined to take in an enemy’s trouble is forbidden. If someone has wronged us, or if we simply dislike them because they are in our way, we are too ready to feel a secret satisfaction when harm comes to them. When they fall or stumble, our sinful hearts may whisper, “Good, that is what we wanted.” Or, like Tyre said about Jerusalem, “Now that she is ruined, I will be filled” (Ezekiel 26:2). People often hope to profit from a rival’s downfall or to get revenge through it, but we must not be that cruel. We may rejoice when God’s enemies are judged, because that shows his glory and helps his church (Psalm 58:10), but we must not rejoice when our own enemies suffer just because they are our enemies. Instead, we should weep with them when they weep, as David did (Psalm 35:13, 14), and do so honestly, without letting our hearts secretly enjoy their misery.

Second, Solomon gives the reason for this warning. The Lord sees it, even if no one else does, and even if it stays hidden in the heart. He is displeased by it, just as a wise father would be hurt to see one child gloating over another child’s correction. The child who laughs should rather tremble, because the same fault could soon bring the same discipline on him. Solomon also gives a very direct warning to us: when your enemy has fallen, you can do him no greater harm than to rejoice in it. God may then turn his anger away from him, because human anger does not do what is right in God’s sight, and God does not mean to serve our bitter feelings. In fact, if he turns his wrath away from your enemy, he may turn it toward you instead, and the cup of trembling may come into your own hand.