Topical Bible: Enemies: Rejoice not at the Failings of

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Topical Encyclopedia

The biblical principle of not rejoicing at the failings of one's enemies is deeply rooted in the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments. This principle underscores the importance of maintaining a heart of compassion and humility, even towards those who oppose us.

Old Testament Teachings

The book of Proverbs provides direct instruction on this matter. Proverbs 24:17-18 states, "Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, or the LORD will see and disapprove, and turn His wrath away from him." This passage highlights the moral and spiritual dangers of taking pleasure in the misfortunes of others, even if they are adversaries. It suggests that such attitudes can provoke divine disapproval, as God values justice and mercy over vindictiveness.

The account of David and Saul offers a practical example of this principle. Despite being pursued by King Saul, who sought his life, David refrained from harming Saul when given the opportunity. In 1 Samuel 24:6 , David says, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the LORD’s anointed." David's respect for Saul, despite Saul's enmity, exemplifies the restraint and respect for God's sovereignty that believers are called to emulate.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament reinforces this principle through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44). This radical call to love extends beyond mere tolerance, urging believers to actively seek the well-being of their adversaries.

The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Romans 12:19-21 , where he writes, "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' On the contrary, 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Paul emphasizes that vengeance belongs to God, and believers are called to respond to hostility with acts of kindness and generosity.

Theological Implications

The call to refrain from rejoicing at the failings of enemies is rooted in the understanding of God's character as just and merciful. Believers are reminded that all humans are created in the image of God and are deserving of dignity and respect, regardless of their actions. This principle challenges believers to reflect God's love and grace, recognizing that they too are recipients of divine mercy.

Furthermore, this teaching serves as a reminder of the transformative power of love and forgiveness. By choosing not to gloat over the misfortunes of others, believers participate in the redemptive work of God, fostering reconciliation and peace in a world often marked by division and strife.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 24:17
Rejoice not when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Philippians ii. 19-21
... that the Gospel had advanced, that its enemies were put ... Because if ye rejoice, I
too rejoice, and he too ... Let us not be overcurious about the failings of others ...
/.../homily ix philippians ii 19-21.htm

we have not only so high a pattern, but so excellent a motive
... If it can find out any good in them that are enemies to it, it is not grieved to
find it and know it, but can rejoice at any thing which may give ground ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/chapter ii i .htm

The God of Peace
... sake, for the truth's sake, that we may laugh at our enemies, and rejoice with joy ...
Though I may not have preached to the worldly this morning, I have been ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the god of peace.htm

Homilies on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.
... Age, failings of, [3105]531 ... Love, to enemies, possible, [3523]419; to man, brings
love to God ... Punishment, the saints rejoice not in, of the evil, but the Gospel ...
/.../homilies on the epistles to.htm

The Coming Revival
... revive us again, that Thy people may rejoice in Thee ... has been in the Church that
is not entirely according ... the power of God's two great enemies"confidence in ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter xv the coming revival.htm

Some General Uses.
... into danger, and cast themselves among their enemies' hands, is ... 1. That they should
rejoice, and be comforted in the ... and made all things for them; not only the ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xx some general uses.htm

He Restoreth My Soul.
... cares, your fears of present and future ills; rejoice and be ... prodigal, and waste
our lives with the enemies of our ... the voice of sin; nor that we are not to be ...
/.../callan/the shepherd of my soul/v he restoreth my soul.htm

Ephesians iv. 31
... happened; but if he is unfortunate, one and all rejoice. ... then pity them, for they
have common enemies all over ... thou also thyself, and yet thou art not corrected ...
/.../homily xv ephesians iv 31.htm

I May Briefly Reduce the Chief Persuading Motive to this So ...
... from eternity, and in whom he delighted, yet, not withstanding, could rejoice in
the ... the earth, and so love poor wretched men, yet enemies, that he ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/chapter iii i may briefly.htm

Adoption
... For God to have pardoned his enemies had been much; but to adopt them for his heirs,
sets ... Use three: Rejoice in the benefits of adoption. ... They do not pay custom ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/4 adoption.htm