READING: Proverbs 21-24
“Do not rejoice when your enemy falls.”
Proverbs 24:17
Recently, I heard a friend talk about seeing the human sin nature in preschoolers. The conversation was filled with humor as we talked about how quickly and clearly little ones show selfishness and anger. We don’t teach them those things, but they sure make them evident when they feel like it!
Then, I read this text in today’s reading, and I’m reminded again of just how sinful all of us can be: “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles” (Prov. 24:17). Apparently, not only do we have people that we consider as personal enemies, but we’re also tempted to enjoy the tragedies when they fall. Rather than simply leave their judgment to God, we instead become increasingly sinful ourselves as we gloat over their demise. The wickedness that resides in one heart resides in all of us.
This text challenges me at several levels. First, I must ask whether I sometimes, in a deceitful, evil way, delight when someone falls. I trust that I do not, but I’m learning again that my heart is more wicked than I want to admit. Second, I wonder if I ever grieve deeply when the fallen one is my friend, but grieve less when or she is not someone I like. If so, my heart leans toward the sinfulness described in this text. Third, do I pray enough for those who are my enemies? I’m sure I would gloat less if I’ve already been praying that my enemies would turn to God.
ACTION STEPS:
- Answer for yourself the same questions I have raised above.
- Pray for someone you don’t like much.
PRAYER: “Lord, change my heart if I tend to gloat over the fall of my enemies.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 2 Chronicles 2-3, 1 Kings 5-6