Proverbs 24:17 Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice….
Gloating is easy and incredibly human. If you speed past me on the interstate and then I see you pulled over by police later on, I’m probably going to chuckle, thinking you got what you deserved. Oh but that’s a slippery slope, that idea of rejoicing when someone gets what *I* think they deserve for their actions. It brings to mind my own behaviors and the idea of mercy versus justice.
Proverbs 24:18 …or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them.
When I read this section of scripture today, Luke 23:34 came strongly to mind: Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing….” These soldiers killed the Messiah and cast lots for His clothes. They deserved death, but Jesus gave them mercy. I am called to be like Jesus, which involves putting aside my pride which calls for justice and acting towards others in mercy instead.
Proverbs 24:19 Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked….
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for laying these issues on my heart once again. You know I struggle, Lord. Sometimes I just want folks to get what their rotten behavior deserves, but for myself, I will always want mercy. Help me extend the grace of mercy to others as I wish it extended to me. Amen.
Proverbs 24:20 …for the evildoer has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.
Have a blessed day