Proverbs 24:18

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

Proverbs 24:18 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 24:18

Lest the Lord see [it], and it displease him
Who sees all things, not only external actions, but the heart, and the inward motions of it; and though men may hide the pleasure they feel at the misery of an enemy from others, they cannot hide it from the Lord; nor is this said by way of doubt, but as a certain thing; and which the Lord not barely sees, but takes notice of, and to such a degree as to resent it, and show his displeasure at it by taking the following step; and he turn away his wrath from him;
remove the effects of it, raise him out of his fallen and distressed condition, and restore him to his former prosperous one; and not only so, but turn it upon thee, as Gersom supplies the words, and not amiss; so that there is a strange and sudden change of circumstances; thou that was pleasing thyself with the distress of thine enemy art fallen into the same, and he is delivered out of it; which must be a double affliction to such a man; so that by rejoicing at an enemy, he is doing his enemy good and himself hurt; see ( Proverbs 17:5 ) .

Proverbs 24:18 In-Context

16 For a just [man] falleth seven times, and riseth again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
17 Rejoice not when thy enemy falleth, and let not thy heart be glad when he stumbleth:
18 Lest the LORD see [it], and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.
19 Fret not thyself because of evil [men], neither be thou envious at the wicked;
20 For there shall be no reward to the evil [man]; the candle of the wicked shall be extinguished.
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