Proverbs 24:18

18 For the Lord will see , and it will not please him, and he will 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 righteous man will fall seven times, and rise : but the ungodly shall be without strength in troubles.
17 If thine enemy should fall, rejoice not over him, neither be elated at his overthrow.
18 For the Lord will see , and it will not please him, and he will turn away his wrath from him.
19 Rejoice not in evil-doers, neither be envious of sinners.
20 For the evil man shall have no posterity: and the light of the wicked shall be put out.

The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.