◄ Proverbs 24:18 ►
or the LORD will see and disapprove, and turn His wrath away from him.
Study Bible
or the LORD
The phrase "the LORD" refers to Yahweh, the covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible. This name emphasizes God's eternal existence and His unchanging nature. In the context of Proverbs, it underscores the divine authority and omniscience of God, who sees all actions and intentions of the heart. The use of "the LORD" here reminds us of the personal relationship God has with His people and His active role in their lives.

will see
The Hebrew root for "will see" is "ra'ah," which means to perceive, consider, or look upon. This word conveys the idea that God is not distant or indifferent; He is actively observing the actions and attitudes of individuals. In the context of this verse, it serves as a warning that God is aware of our reactions to the downfall of others, and He discerns the motives behind our joy or sorrow.

and disapprove
The term "disapprove" comes from the Hebrew word "ra'ah," which can also mean to be displeased or to find something evil. This indicates that God is not only aware of our actions but also evaluates them according to His righteous standards. The disapproval of God is significant because it reflects His holiness and justice, reminding believers that their attitudes should align with His character.

and turn His wrath away
The phrase "turn His wrath away" suggests a redirection or withdrawal of divine anger. The Hebrew word for "wrath" is "aph," which often denotes a fierce anger or indignation. In this context, it implies that God's wrath, which might have been directed at the wrongdoer, could be redirected if He sees inappropriate rejoicing over their misfortune. This serves as a sobering reminder of God's mercy and justice, encouraging believers to maintain a humble and compassionate heart.

from him
The phrase "from him" refers to the individual who has experienced a downfall or judgment. The implication is that God’s wrath, which might have been justly upon this person, can be mitigated or removed. This highlights the theme of divine justice and mercy, where God’s actions are not only punitive but also corrective and redemptive. It encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate judgment and to refrain from taking pleasure in the suffering of others, recognizing that God’s ways are higher than our own.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD
The central figure in this verse, representing God's omniscience and justice. The verse highlights His role as the ultimate judge who sees all actions and intentions.

2. The Enemy
While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the context implies an adversary or someone who has wronged the reader. The verse warns against rejoicing over this person's downfall.

3. The Righteous Observer
The implied audience of the proverb, who is cautioned against gloating over the misfortune of others, even if they are enemies.
Teaching Points
God's Displeasure with Gloating
Rejoicing over an enemy's downfall is displeasing to God. We must guard our hearts against such attitudes, recognizing that God sees and judges our intentions.

The Call to Humility
This verse calls us to humility, reminding us that we are not the arbiters of justice. Our role is to trust in God's perfect judgment.

The Importance of Compassion
Even towards those who have wronged us, we are called to show compassion and refrain from celebrating their misfortunes. This reflects the love and grace that God extends to all.

Trust in Divine Justice
We are encouraged to trust that God will handle justice in His time and way. Our focus should be on maintaining a righteous heart and attitude.

Reflecting Christ's Love
As followers of Christ, we are to emulate His love and forgiveness, even towards our enemies. This is a powerful testimony of our faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's displeasure with gloating over an enemy's downfall change your perspective on personal conflicts?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a heart of compassion towards those who have wronged you, in light of Proverbs 24:18?

3. How does the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 5:44 challenge you to respond to your enemies differently?

4. What practical steps can you take to ensure that you are leaving room for God's justice, as instructed in Romans 12:19?

5. How can reflecting on God's grace towards you help you extend grace to others, even when they fall or fail?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 17:5
This verse warns against mocking the poor, as it is an affront to their Maker. It connects to Proverbs 24:18 by emphasizing that God is displeased with those who take joy in others' misfortunes.

Matthew 5:44
Jesus teaches to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. This New Testament teaching aligns with the principle in Proverbs 24:18 of not rejoicing over an enemy's downfall.

Romans 12:19
Paul instructs believers not to take revenge but to leave room for God's wrath. This complements the message of Proverbs 24:18, reminding us that vengeance belongs to the Lord.
Sermons
Violence and Shameful Joy DefeatedE. Johnson Proverbs 24:15-18
RevengeHomilistProverbs 24:17-18
The Ignobler and the Nobler SpiritE. Johnson Proverbs 24:17, 18, 29
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Anger, Displease, Displeased, Evil, Fear, Lest, Sight, Turn, Wrath
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 24:18

     1210   God, human descriptions

Proverbs 24:17-18

     8730   enemies, of believers

Library
The Sluggard's Garden
'I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; 31. And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.'--PROVERBS xxiv. 30, 31. This picture of the sluggard's garden seems to be intended as a parable. No doubt its direct simple meaning is full of homely wisdom in full accord with the whole tone of the Book of Proverbs; but we shall scarcely do justice to this saying of the wise …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Broken Fence
A sermon (No. 3381) published on Thursday, November 20th 1913. Delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and to, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down, Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it and received instruction."--Proverbs 24:30-32. This slothful man did no hurt to his fellow-men: …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

The Sluggard's Farm
A sermon (No. 2027) intended for reading on Lord's Day, June 3rd 1888, delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction."--Proverbs 24:30-32. No doubt Solomon was sometimes glad …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

Epistle xxxvi. To Maximus, Bishop of Salona .
To Maximus, Bishop of Salona [113] . Gregory to Maximus, &c. When our common son the presbyter Veteranus came to the Roman city, he found me so weak from the pains of gout as to be quite unable to answer thy Fraternity's letters myself. And indeed with regard to the nation of the Sclaves [114] , from which you are in great danger, I am exceedingly afflicted and disturbed. I am afflicted as suffering already in your suffering: I am disturbed, because they have already begun to enter Italy by way …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Portrait of a Drunkyard
'Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30. They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34. Yea, thou shalt be as …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

2 Cor. Iii. 5
Not that we are sufficient of our selves, to think any thing as of our selves: but our Sufficiency is of God. IN my former Discourse upon these Words, I shewed you that it was the sole Design of St. Paul in them, to declare, that, in the setting about, and executing, the difficult and laborious Work of an Apostle, He did not arrogate to himself the Power, and Ability, and Success, which he had: but that he ascribed his Sufficiency for this great Work, as well as his being designed to it, to God himself, …
Benjamin Hoadly—Several Discourses Concerning the Terms of Acceptance with God

How to Make Use of Christ for Taking the Guilt of Our Daily Out-Breakings Away.
The next part of our sanctification is in reference to our daily failings and transgressions, committed partly through the violence of temptations, as we see in David and Peter, and other eminent men of God; partly through daily infirmities, because of our weakness and imperfections; for, "in many things we offend all," James iii. 2; and, "if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us," 1 John i. 8; "a righteous man falleth seven times," Prov. xxiv. 16; "there is not …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

The Justice of God
The next attribute is God's justice. All God's attributes are identical, and are the same with his essence. Though he has several attributes whereby he is made known to us, yet he has but one essence. A cedar tree may have several branches, yet it is but one cedar. So there are several attributes of God whereby we conceive of him, but only one entire essence. Well, then, concerning God's justice. Deut 32:4. Just and right is he.' Job 37:23. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Necessity of Actual Grace
In treating of the necessity of actual grace we must avoid two extremes. The first is that mere nature is absolutely incapable of doing any thing good. This error was held by the early Protestants and the followers of Baius and Jansenius. The second is that nature is able to perform supernatural acts by its own power. This was taught by the Pelagians and Semipelagians. Between these two extremes Catholic theology keeps the golden mean. It defends the capacity of human nature against Protestants and …
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual

Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the Practice of Piety.
Those hindrances are chiefly seven:-- I. An ignorant mistaking of the true meaning of certain places of the holy Scriptures, and some other chief grounds of Christian religion. The Scriptures mistaken are these: 1. Ezek. xxxiii. 14, 16, "At what time soever a sinner repenteth him of his sin, I will blot out all," &c. Hence the carnal Christian gathers, that he may repent when he will. It is true, whensoever a sinner does repent, God will forgive; but the text saith not, that a sinner may repent whensoever …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men.
Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked And Ungodly Men. When the Lord is punishing such a people against whom he hath a controversy, and a notable controversy, every one that is found shall be thrust through: and every one joined with them shall fall, Isa. xiii. 15. They partake in their judgment, not only because in a common calamity all shares, (as in Ezek. xxi. 3.) but chiefly because joined with and partakers with these whom God is pursuing; even as the strangers that join …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

A Treatise on Good Works
I. We ought first to know that there are no good works except those which God has commanded, even as there is no sin except that which God has forbidden. Therefore whoever wishes to know and to do good works needs nothing else than to know God's commandments. Thus Christ says, Matthew xix, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." And when the young man asks Him, Matthew xix, what he shall do that he may inherit eternal life, Christ sets before him naught else but the Ten Commandments. …
Dr. Martin Luther—A Treatise on Good Works

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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