Do Not Rejoice When Your Enemy Falls – Proverbs 24:17-25 (KJV) Be Careful of Saying God Speed or God Bless to Enemies of Jesus Christ
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Life often tempts us to cheer when our enemies fail or to stay silent when the powerful do wrong. But Proverbs 24:17–25 (KJV) reminds us that God looks at our hearts and calls us to live with mercy, fairness, and truth. These verses teach us not to rejoice when others stumble, not to envy the wicked, and to stand for what is right even when it is unpopular. Through the story of Nathan and King David, we see how God’s judgment and mercy work hand in hand. This lesson encourages us to trust God’s justice, honor His authority, and speak truth in love.
The Bible gives us clear wisdom in Proverbs 24:17–25 KJV. Let’s look at what these verses mean in simple words.
The Scripture (KJV) Proverbs 24:17–25 KJV
“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.
Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked;
For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.
My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:
For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?
These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:
But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.”
Explanation
Don’t Celebrate When Enemies Suffer (v.17–18)
When someone who has hurt us stumbles, it’s tempting to feel happy. But God says no. He watches our hearts, and He alone decides how to deal with others.Don’t Envy the Wicked (v.19–20)
It may look like wicked people succeed, but their light will not last. Their “candle” will go out, showing that sin leads to emptiness and loss.Respect God and Authority (v.21–22)
We are called to fear the Lord and honor leaders. Do not join those who rebel and stir up change for evil. Their downfall will be quick. Do not honor those who do not honor our King and Lord. If they are sinners then you are to tell them about Christ-The Gospel. If they refuse, then walk away.
2 John 1:10 KJV “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:”
2 John 1:11 KJV “For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”
Jesus sat with sinners to convert them. He did not come for the righteous but for the sinner. He says it is the sick that need a doctor. Do not compromise the Lord, our King for people or organizations that do not honor God in Jesus Christ or his laws. It does not mean to be nasty to people but respect all people but protect your peace and your spirit. God Speed is today, God Bless.
4. Be Fair in Judgment (v.23–25)
God warns judges and all people not to show favoritism. Calling the wicked “righteous” is wrong—it brings shame and curses. But those who stand for truth, even if it is hard, bring delight and blessing.
Alt tag: # Do not say God Speed or you partake in their evil
Bible Story Example
When the prophet Nathan confronted King David after his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:1–7 KJV), he did not flatter or excuse David’s sin. Nathan spoke the truth boldly. Because of that, David repented, and God showed mercy. This is what it means to bring blessing by rebuking sin.
The Story of Nathan and King David (2 Samuel 11–12 KJV)
King David was a man after God’s own heart, but even he fell into sin. One day, while his soldiers were away at battle, David saw Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, bathing. He desired her, took her as his own, and she became pregnant. To cover it up, David arranged for Uriah to be placed on the front line of battle where he was killed. This was both adultery and murder.
At first, David tried to hide his sin. But God loved David too much to leave him in darkness. He sent the prophet Nathan with a story:
Nathan told David about a rich man who had many sheep and a poor man who had only one little lamb he loved dearly. The rich man, instead of using one of his own sheep, took the poor man’s lamb to feed a guest. David became very angry at this story and said, “The man who has done this shall surely die!”
Then Nathan looked at David and said, “Thou art the man.” (2 Samuel 12:7 KJV). Nathan boldly confronted the king with truth.
God’s Judgment and Mercy
God, through Nathan, told David there would be consequences for his sin:
Trouble would rise in his own house.
The child born from his sin with Bathsheba would die.
David repented deeply. He wrote Psalm 51 as a prayer for mercy, saying, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10 KJV).
Though God punished David, He also showed mercy:
David’s life was spared.
God allowed David and Bathsheba to have another son—Solomon, who later became king and was part of the lineage of Jesus Christ.
This shows us that while God judges sin, He also forgives when we repent sincerely. Nathan’s courage to rebuke David brought repentance, and God’s mercy turned a story of failure into one of redemption.
Connection to Proverbs 24:23–25
These verses warn us not to excuse sin or call the guilty “righteous.” Nathan could have flattered David or stayed silent, but instead he rebuked him. Because of that, David turned back to God, and blessings followed.
Real-World Example
Think of a teacher who has a favorite student. If that student cheats, but the teache r ignores it, the whole class feels it’s unfair. But if the teacher is honest and corrects the student, everyone respects the teacher more. In the same way, God blesses those who rebuke sin fairly.
Reflection Question
Do you avoid celebrating when others fail, and do you stand for truth even when it is unpopular? ‘
✨ Takeaway: God blesses hearts that show mercy, resist envy, honor authority, and stand for truth.
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