Proverbs 24:17 Commentary and Bible Study

The lesson of these two verses is that we must restrain any gloating over the downfall of our enemies and not rejoice prematurely that the wicked are being judged, because we do not know God’s intention towards them. The placement of these verses alongside verses 15-16 is highly instructive for in both cases the warning is the same: that the triumphant should desist from their triumphalism. The reason however is very different in the two cases. The wicked should desist because the righteous, whom they hate, will not in fact be cast down forever as they hope, but will rise even from the dead. On the other hand the righteous should desist in spite of the fact that their enemies will ultimately be destroyed because private revenge has all manner of hazards attached to it.The verses raise many questions. It goes without saying that the enemy in verse 17 is guilty of doing evil, for otherwise God’s wrath would not be threatened against him. He has perhaps been a thorn in the side of the believer and it has been necessary for God’s servant to exercise much patience to bear with him. Now it seems that the tables have turned and the righteous see what seems like the wicked receiving their just deserts. Why then should they not rejoice? And why when God sees this would he not go ahead and punish the wicked if that is what they deserve? Why is God not pleased to see his people rejoicing in the downfall of their enemies which he has brought about? Will it ever be right for the saints to rejoice at the fall of their enemies? What then is the meaning of the command to heaven and the holy apostles to rejoice over Babylon and over her downfall in Revelation 18:19-20?The problem with the rejoicing in verse 17 is that it is in danger of turning into private vengeance which gives vent to feelings other than a desire for God’s justice to be enforced. What God has always desired of his people is mercy and this should be exercised towards our enemies also. Until God closes the door of salvation we should do all we can to encourage them to go through it. If we have received mercy though we are so unworthy, why should we prevent others from receiving it as well? Are we unwilling that their debt should be cancelled when our own has been? For all we know, in this case it maybe that God intends to lead our enemy into difficulty in order to bring him to repentance, but if we insist on the withdrawal of mercy we would prevent this. The saints will rejoice in God’s justice when it comes, but if they are to have hearts like their heavenly Father they will love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. Yes, even when their enemy falls, they will pray for him, and hope for his recovery. Only when God makes it clear that the day of grace is over will they accept that there is no further hope. Then the rejoicing of believers will be consistent with the wisdom of God and reflect his timing, and will not be limited to their own personal triumph. They know that it is not safe for them to give free reign to private vengeance, especially while they still possess a sinful nature which too easily acts out of pride. But when God acts, and when he removes the body of sin from them, then they can freely rejoice in his acts of justice without danger. Ultimately the vengeance of God’s people will align with election when the Lord’s purposes are fully made known on the day of judgment, and they will fully agree with his judgments in selecting each one from all eternity for heaven or for hell.