Proverbs 24:18 Meaning and Explanation
“Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If you rejoice in your enemy's suffering, God will disapprove and may even show him mercy instead.
The Context of Proverbs 24:18
The verse explains why rejoicing in an enemy's fall displeases God.
What Does Proverbs 24:18 Mean?
God's displeasure falls on you for celebrating cruelty, not on your enemy. Moreover, He may actually show compassion to the fallen one and turn His wrath away from them. Your mockery becomes the occasion of their mercy—and your judgment.
This verse reveals God's heart: He does not delight in any person's ruin. Even one you count as an enemy remains under His care and potential redemption.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 24:18
What does Proverbs 24:18 mean?
If you rejoice in your enemy's suffering, God will disapprove and may even show him mercy instead.
What is the context of Proverbs 24:18?
The verse explains why rejoicing in an enemy's fall displeases God.