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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 24:17 Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/24-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/20_Pro_24_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 24:17 - Do not Envy" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/24-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/24-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/24.htm">Chapter 24</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/24-16.htm" title="Proverbs 24:16">◄</a> Proverbs 24:17 <a href="/proverbs/24-18.htm" title="Proverbs 24:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/24.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/24.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/24.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/24.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/24.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/24.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/24.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/24.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/24.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/24.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/24.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />When your enemy falls, do not be glad, And when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/24.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Do not rejoice <i>and</i> gloat when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad [in self-righteousness] when he stumbles,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/24.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don’t gloat when your enemy falls, and don’t let your heart rejoice when he stumbles,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/24.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don&#8217t gloat when your enemy falls, and don&#8217t let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/24.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, And let not thy heart be glad when he is overthrown;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/24.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't be happy to see your enemies trip and fall down. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/24.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he is overthrown:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/24.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Do not be happy when your enemy falls, and do not feel glad when he stumbles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/24.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Don't be glad when your enemies meet disaster, and don't rejoice when they stumble. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/24.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Don't rejoice when your enemy falls; don't let yourself be glad when he stumbles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/24.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/24.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and when he stumbles do not let your heart rejoice, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/24.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Do not rejoice when your enemy falls. Do not let your heart be glad when he is overthrown;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/24.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Rejoice not when thy enemy falleth, and let not thy heart be glad when he stumbleth:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/24.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Don’t rejoice when your enemy falls. Don’t let your heart be glad when he is overthrown, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/24.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not rejoice in the falling of your enemy, "" And do not let your heart be joyful in his stumbling,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/24.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> In the falling of thine enemy rejoice not, And in his stumbling let not thy heart be joyful,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/24.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />In the falling of thine enemies thou shalt not rejoice, and in his stumbling thy heart shall not exult:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/24.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />When thy enemy shall fall, be not glad, and in his ruin let not thy heart rejoice: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/24.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />When your enemy will fall, do not be glad, and do not let your heart exult in his ruin,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/24.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Do not rejoice when your enemies fall, and when they stumble, do not let your heart exult, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/24.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not rejoice when your enemies fall, and do not let your heart be glad when they stumble,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/24.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he is overthrown,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/24.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />When your enemy has fallen, do not rejoice, and when he is overthrown, let not your heart leap for joy.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/24.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, And let not thy heart be glad when he stumbleth;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/24.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />If thine enemy should fall, rejoice not over him, neither be elated at his overthrow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/24-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4943" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/24.htm">Do not Envy</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>For though a righteous man may fall seven times, he still gets up; but the wicked stumble in bad times. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/8055.htm" title="8055: tiś·māḥ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- Rejoice, be glad. A primitive root; probably to brighten up, i.e. be blithe or gleesome.">gloat</a> <a href="/hebrew/341.htm" title="341: ʾō·yə·ḇɛ·ḵå̄ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-msc:: 2ms) -- Hating, an adversary. Or owyeb; active participle of 'ayab; hating; an adversary.">when your enemy</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: bin·p̄ōl (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">falls,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">and do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lib·be·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">let your heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/1523.htm" title="1523: yā·ḡêl (V-Qal-Imperf.Jus-3ms) -- To rejoice. Or guwl; a primitive root; properly, to spin round, i.e. Usually rejoice, or fear.">rejoice</a> <a href="/hebrew/3782.htm" title="3782: ū·ḇik·kā·šə·lōw (Conj-w, Prep-b:: V-Nifal-Inf:: 3ms) -- To stumble, stagger, totter. A primitive root; to totter or waver; by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall.">when he stumbles,</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>or the LORD will see and disapprove, and turn His wrath away from him.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a></span><br />But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-14.htm">Romans 12:14</a></span><br />Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19-21</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-28</a></span><br />But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-35.htm">Luke 6:35</a></span><br />But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-15.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:15</a></span><br />Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-43.htm">Matthew 5:43-45</a></span><br />You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’ / But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, / that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-16.htm">James 4:16</a></span><br />As it is, you boast in your proud intentions. All such boasting is evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-14.htm">Galatians 5:14-15</a></span><br />The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” / But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-4.htm">Exodus 23:4-5</a></span><br />If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him. / If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/31-29.htm">Job 31:29-30</a></span><br />If I have rejoiced in my enemy’s ruin, or exulted when evil befell him— / I have not allowed my mouth to sin by asking for his life with a curse—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/obadiah/1-12.htm">Obadiah 1:12-13</a></span><br />But you should not gloat in that day, your brother’s day of misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast proudly in the day of their distress. / You should not enter the gate of My people in the day of their disaster, nor gloat over their affliction in the day of their disaster, nor loot their wealth in the day of their disaster.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/7-8.htm">Micah 7:8</a></span><br />Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will arise; though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/35-13.htm">Psalm 35:13-14</a></span><br />Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, but my prayers returned unanswered. / I paced about as for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning for his mother.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Rejoice not when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-5.htm">Proverbs 17:5</a></b></br> Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: <i>and</i> he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/16-25.htm">Judges 16:25</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison house; and he made them sport: and they set him between the pillars.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/16-5.htm">2 Samuel 16:5</a></b></br> And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name <i>was</i> Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/24-16.htm">Downfall</a> <a href="/psalms/143-3.htm">Enemy</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-16.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-16.htm">Falleth</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-16.htm">Falling</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-16.htm">Falls</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-25.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/psalms/59-10.htm">Gloat</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-9.htm">Hater</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-12.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-25.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-25.htm">Joyful</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-16.htm">Overthrown</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-25.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/james/3-2.htm">Stumbles</a> <a href="/romans/14-21.htm">Stumbleth</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Stumbling</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/24-22.htm">Downfall</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-21.htm">Enemy</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-27.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-27.htm">Falleth</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-26.htm">Falling</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-9.htm">Falls</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-9.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-12.htm">Gloat</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-30.htm">Hater</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-30.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-9.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-14.htm">Joyful</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-7.htm">Overthrown</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-9.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-27.htm">Stumbles</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-8.htm">Stumbleth</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-27.htm">Stumbling</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 24</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/24-1.htm">Precepts and Warnings</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/proverbs/24.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>Do not gloat</b><br />The Hebrew word for "gloat" is "שָׂמַח" (samach), which means to rejoice or be glad. In the context of this verse, it carries a negative connotation, warning against taking pleasure in the misfortune of others. This instruction aligns with the broader biblical principle of loving one's neighbor and even one's enemies, as Jesus taught in the New Testament (<a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a>). The conservative Christian perspective emphasizes humility and compassion, recognizing that gloating over another's downfall is contrary to the character of Christ, who calls us to love and pray for those who oppose us.<p><b>when your enemy falls</b><br />The term "enemy" in Hebrew is "אוֹיֵב" (oyev), referring to an adversary or foe. The imagery of an enemy "falling" suggests a moment of vulnerability or defeat. Historically, the Israelites faced numerous enemies, and the temptation to rejoice in their downfall would have been strong. However, this proverb teaches restraint and empathy, reminding believers that all people are made in the image of God and deserving of dignity. The conservative Christian view encourages believers to see beyond personal grievances and to respond with grace, reflecting God's mercy.<p><b>and do not let your heart rejoice</b><br />The heart, "לֵב" (lev) in Hebrew, is often seen as the center of emotions and intentions. This phrase warns against internalizing joy over another's misfortune. The heart's condition is crucial in biblical teaching, as it reflects one's true character and relationship with God. In a conservative Christian context, this admonition calls for self-examination and the cultivation of a heart aligned with God's will, one that seeks the good of others and refrains from harboring ill will.<p><b>when he stumbles</b><br />The word "stumbles" comes from the Hebrew "כָּשַׁל" (kashal), meaning to trip or falter. This can refer to moral, physical, or situational failure. The imagery of stumbling suggests a temporary setback rather than a complete downfall. The conservative Christian perspective encourages believers to offer support and restoration rather than judgment or derision. This aligns with the New Testament teaching of bearing one another's burdens (<a href="/galatians/6-2.htm">Galatians 6:2</a>) and reflects the redemptive nature of God's love, which seeks to restore rather than condemn.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/24.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 17, 18.</span> - A warning against vindictiveness, nearly approaching the great Christian maxim, "Love your enemies" (<a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a>). <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth.</span> "Thou shalt love thy neighbour" was a Mosaic precept (<a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a>); the addition, "and hate thine enemy," was a Pharisaic gloss, arising from a misconception concerning the extermination of the Canaanites, which, indeed, had a special cause and purpose, and was not a precedent for the treatment of all aliens (see <a href="/proverbs/25-21.htm">Proverbs 25:21, 22</a>). <span class="cmt_word">When he stumbleth;</span> rather, <span class="accented">when he is overthrown</span>. The maxim refers to private enemies. The overthrow of public enemies was often celebrated with festal rejoicing. Thus we have the triumph of Moses at the defeat of the Amalekites, and over Pharaoh's host at the Red Sea; of Deborah and Barak over Sisera (<a href="/exodus/15.htm">Exodus 15</a>; <a href="/exodus/17-15.htm">Exodus 17:15</a>; <a href="/judges/5.htm">Judges 5</a>); and the psalmist, exulting over the destruction of his country's foes, could say, "The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance; he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked" (<a href="/psalms/58-10.htm">Psalm 58:10</a>). But private revenge and vindictiveness are warmly censured and repudiated. So Cato, 'Distich.' 4:46 - <p><span class="foreign">"Morte repentina noli gaudere malorum;<br />Felicesobeunt quorum sine crimine vita est."</span> Of very different tone is the Italian proverb, "Revenge is a morsel for God;" and "Wait time and place to act thy revenge, for it is never well done in a hurry" (Trench). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/24-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">gloat</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּשְׂמָ֑ח</span> <span class="translit">(tiś·māḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8055.htm">Strong's 8055: </a> </span><span class="str2">To brighten up, be, blithe, gleesome</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when your enemy</span><br /><span class="heb">אֽ֭וֹיִבְךָ‪‬</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·w·yiḇ·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_341.htm">Strong's 341: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hating, an adversary</span><br /><br /><span class="word">falls,</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּנְפֹ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(bin·p̄ōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall, lie</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">let your heart</span><br /><span class="heb">לִבֶּֽךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(lib·be·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">rejoice</span><br /><span class="heb">יָגֵ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḡêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1523.htm">Strong's 1523: </a> </span><span class="str2">To spin round, rejoice, fear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when he stumbles,</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝בִכָּשְׁל֗וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇik·kā·šə·lōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3782.htm">Strong's 3782: </a> </span><span class="str2">To totter, waver, to falter, stumble, faint, fall</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/24-17.htm">Proverbs 24:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/24-17.htm">Proverbs 24:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/24-17.htm">Proverbs 24:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/24-17.htm">Proverbs 24:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/24-17.htm">Proverbs 24:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/24-17.htm">Proverbs 24:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/24-17.htm">Proverbs 24:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/24-17.htm">Proverbs 24:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/24-17.htm">Proverbs 24:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/24-17.htm">Proverbs 24:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/24-17.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 24:17 Don't rejoice when your enemy falls (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/24-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 24:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 24:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/24-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 24:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 24:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>