Proverbs 24:18

Lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, and hee turne away his wrath from him. Proverbs 24:18 (KJV)

Proverbs 24:17‑18 (KJV) states, “Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.” This verse belongs to the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, and is situated within a section that emphasizes wisdom, understanding, and knowledge (see Proverbs 24:3‑7). It offers practical guidance for daily living by warning against taking pleasure in an enemy’s misfortune and urging empathy even toward those who oppose us.

The passage reminds us that the Lord observes our attitudes and actions toward others. He values justice and righteousness and expects His people to reflect His character. Rejoicing over another’s downfall displeases Him. The phrase “he turn away his wrath from him” indicates that delighting in an enemy’s calamity may cause God to withhold His discipline or judgment from that person, allowing them to continue in sin without consequence. This serves as a reminder that our attitudes carry spiritual implications; harboring malicious joy can distance us from God’s favor.

While the verse does not explicitly mention God withholding protection, Scripture elsewhere teaches that our attitudes can affect our relationship with Him, and maintaining a humble, merciful spirit aligns us with God’s favor. As followers of Christ, we are called to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who mistreat us (Matthew 5:44). Rejoicing over someone’s calamity contradicts this teaching. Instead, we should seek opportunities for reconciliation, forgiveness, and demonstrate Christ’s love to all, regardless of their stance toward us.

Overall, Proverbs 24:17‑18 teaches the importance of a compassionate and empathetic heart, even toward adversaries. It reminds us that God sees our hearts and expects us to reflect His character of love and justice. By studying this verse in its proper context, we can grow in wisdom and align our relationships with God’s principles.