Proverbs 24:18 - lest Yahweh see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Proverbs 24:18" mean?
Proverbs 24:18 states: "lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him."
This verse is part of a larger proverb (Proverbs 24:17-18) that warns against rejoicing when your enemy falls. Let's break down the meaning piece by piece:
"Lest the LORD see it..." This emphasizes that God is observant and aware of our thoughts, feelings, and actions, even those we might keep hidden.
"...and it displease him..." God is not pleased when we take delight in the misfortune or suffering of others, even our enemies. Rejoicing in another's downfall reveals a lack of compassion and a potentially vengeful spirit.
"...and he turn away his wrath from him." This is the key point of the verse. "Him" here refers to the enemy. The idea is that if you are gloating or celebrating your enemy's misfortune, Yahweh might withhold further punishment or hardship that the enemy would otherwise deserve. In essence, by your uncharitable attitude, you may be inadvertently helping your enemy.
Interpretation and Application
The proverb warns against harboring malicious or vengeful feelings. Here's a deeper look:
Focus on Justice, Not Revenge: God is the ultimate judge, and vengeance belongs to him (Romans 12:19). Rejoicing in someone's suffering is a form of taking that role upon ourselves.
Compassion and Empathy: Even for enemies, we are called to a degree of compassion. Jesus taught to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Rejoicing in their fall is the opposite of that.
God's Sovereignty: The verse acknowledges that God is sovereign and can choose to show mercy or withhold further punishment as He sees fit. Our rejoicing or lack thereof can influence His actions in this instance.
A Warning against a Vengeful Heart: The proverb warns against the corrupting influence of a vengeful heart. Such an attitude can lead to further sin and ultimately damage our relationship with God.
In essence, Proverbs 24:18 teaches us to cultivate a spirit of humility, compassion, and trust in God's justice, even when dealing with those who have wronged us. Rejoicing in an enemy's downfall is not only distasteful but can also displease God and potentially influence His dealings with that enemy. It encourages a higher moral ground, rooted in love and trust in God's justice.
Proverbs 24:18 - lest Yahweh see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.
What does "Proverbs 24:18" mean?
Proverbs 24:18 states: "lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him."
This verse is part of a larger proverb (Proverbs 24:17-18) that warns against rejoicing when your enemy falls. Let's break down the meaning piece by piece:
"Lest the LORD see it..." This emphasizes that God is observant and aware of our thoughts, feelings, and actions, even those we might keep hidden.
"...and it displease him..." God is not pleased when we take delight in the misfortune or suffering of others, even our enemies. Rejoicing in another's downfall reveals a lack of compassion and a potentially vengeful spirit.
"...and he turn away his wrath from him." This is the key point of the verse. "Him" here refers to the enemy. The idea is that if you are gloating or celebrating your enemy's misfortune, Yahweh might withhold further punishment or hardship that the enemy would otherwise deserve. In essence, by your uncharitable attitude, you may be inadvertently helping your enemy.
Interpretation and Application
The proverb warns against harboring malicious or vengeful feelings. Here's a deeper look:
Focus on Justice, Not Revenge: God is the ultimate judge, and vengeance belongs to him (Romans 12:19). Rejoicing in someone's suffering is a form of taking that role upon ourselves.
Compassion and Empathy: Even for enemies, we are called to a degree of compassion. Jesus taught to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Rejoicing in their fall is the opposite of that.
God's Sovereignty: The verse acknowledges that God is sovereign and can choose to show mercy or withhold further punishment as He sees fit. Our rejoicing or lack thereof can influence His actions in this instance.
A Warning against a Vengeful Heart: The proverb warns against the corrupting influence of a vengeful heart. Such an attitude can lead to further sin and ultimately damage our relationship with God.
In essence, Proverbs 24:18 teaches us to cultivate a spirit of humility, compassion, and trust in God's justice, even when dealing with those who have wronged us. Rejoicing in an enemy's downfall is not only distasteful but can also displease God and potentially influence His dealings with that enemy. It encourages a higher moral ground, rooted in love and trust in God's justice.