Gloating, or finding joy in someone else’s misfortune, is discouraged in the Bible. Scripture emphasizes humility and compassion, teaching us to lift each other up instead of tearing others down. Let’s take a closer look at what the Bible says about avoiding pride and celebrating others’ victories with a kind heart.
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What Does The Bible Say About gloating
Psalm 35:19
“Do not let those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; do not let those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye.”
This verse depicts the psalmist’s plea to God, asking Him to prevent his enemies from gloating over his misfortunes and celebrating his downfall unjustly. It teaches us the importance of seeking God’s protection and deliverance from those who may seek to harm us or rejoice in our suffering.
Furthermore, this verse reminds us that gloating without cause and rejoicing in the misfortune of others is an unrighteous and malicious act. As Christians, we are called to show compassion, empathy, and love towards others, even when they are our enemies or hold ill-feelings towards us.
Proverbs 24:17-18
“Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn His wrath away from them.”
This passage admonishes against gloating over the failures or misfortunes of our enemies. It reminds us that as Christians, we are called to respond with grace, mercy, and compassion, even towards those who oppose us.
Instead of rejoicing when our enemies stumble, we should extend a hand of kindness and pray for their well-being. This verse also serves as a warning that God’s judgment may fall upon us if we take pleasure in the suffering of others, as it goes against the will of the Lord.
Galatians 6:4
“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.”
This verse teaches us to focus on our own actions and progress rather than comparing ourselves to others. It warns against the dangerous tendency to boast and gloat over our achievements, especially when it stems from a place of comparison and superiority.
Instead, we are encouraged to be content with our own accomplishments and find pride in our own growth and development. By doing so, we can cultivate humility and gratitude in our hearts, recognizing that our abilities and successes are ultimately gifts from God.
Obadiah 1:12
“You should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble.”
In this verse, the Lord rebukes the Edomites for their gloating and rejoicing over the misfortune and destruction of their brother, the people of Judah. It serves as a reminder that we should not take pleasure in the pain or downfall of others, particularly those within the family of God.
As believers, we are called to stand in solidarity and support one another, even in difficult times. This verse reinforces the importance of compassion, empathy, and love, admonishing against gloating and boasting when others are facing hardships or challenges.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises their neighbor sins, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.”
This verse highlights the sinfulness of despising or gloating over our neighbors. It emphasizes the importance of showing kindness and compassion to those in need instead.
As Christians, we are called to be a light in the world, demonstrating God’s love through our actions. This verse encourages us to extend a helping hand to those who are struggling, rather than finding pleasure in their difficulties.
Lamentations 2:15
“All who pass your way clap their hands at you; they scoff and shake their heads at Daughter Jerusalem: ‘Is this the city that was called the perfection of beauty, the joy of the whole earth?'”
This verse portrays the lament of the prophet Jeremiah over the devastation of Jerusalem. It signifies how people gloated and derided the city in its time of distress, mocking its previous glory and beauty.
It serves as a reminder that gloating and reveling in the downfall of others can be devastating and hurtful. Instead, we should respond with compassion, offering comfort and support to those who are experiencing loss or hardship.
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
This verse challenges us to love our enemies and pray for those who may seek to harm or oppress us. It encourages a response of grace and forgiveness rather than gloating or seeking revenge against our adversaries.
By choosing to love and pray for our enemies, we exemplify the character of Christ and demonstrate His transformative power in our lives. It is through these acts of love that we can break the cycle of hostility and reflect the mercy and compassion of our Heavenly Father.
Proverbs 17:5
“Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.”
This verse warns against mocking or gloating over the misfortunes of the poor. It reminds us that when we display contempt towards those less fortunate, we also show disrespect towards God, the Creator of all.
Furthermore, it emphasizes that there are consequences for rejoicing in the suffering of others. This verse serves as a reminder that God abhors arrogance, pride, and a lack of empathy, and that those who engage in such behavior will not escape His divine justice.
Proverbs 24:17
“Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice.”
This verse urges us not to find satisfaction or joy in the failures or setbacks of our enemies. It reminds us to guard our hearts against the temptation to gloat or take pleasure in the misfortunes of others, even if they have opposed or hurt us.
Instead, as followers of Christ, we are called to offer forgiveness, grace, and love to our enemies. This verse challenges us to overcome our natural inclinations towards vengeance and animosity, and to extend the same compassion to our adversaries that we would hope to receive ourselves.
Proverbs 24:14
“Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”
This verse encourages us to seek wisdom rather than taking pleasure in the downfall of others. It reminds us that true fulfillment and hope lie in the pursuit of wisdom and understanding.
By focusing on personal growth and cultivating wisdom, we can develop a heart that is empathetic, compassionate, and free from the desire to gloat or revel in the suffering of others. The pursuit of wisdom enables us to make righteous choices and builds a foundation of integrity and humility in our lives.
Proverbs 14:10
“Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.”
This verse serves as a reminder that everyone carries their own burdens and experiences their own joys. It cautions against assuming that we know the full extent of someone else’s suffering or triumphs.
By recognizing this truth, we can cultivate empathy and understanding, refraining from gloating over the struggles of others. Instead, we can offer support, encouragement, and celebration for the unique journeys and experiences of those around us.
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
This verse from the famous “love chapter” in Corinthians provides a blueprint for how we should interact with others. It teaches us that love is not boastful, proud, or envious. Instead, it is patient, kind, and humble.
In the context of gloating, this verse reminds us that genuine love seeks the well-being and happiness of others, regardless of their circumstances. Love fosters a heart that rejoices with those who rejoice and mourns with those who mourn, rather than taking pleasure in the misfortunes of others.
Proverbs 24:1
“Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company.”
This verse warns against envying or pursuing the ways of the wicked. It serves as a reminder that we should not find delight or satisfaction in the unrighteousness or misfortune of others, even if they seem to prosper in their wickedness.
Instead, we are called to pursue righteousness and align our hearts with God’s will. By focusing on our own growth and relationship with God, we can resist the temptation to gloat over the temporary success of the wicked and fix our eyes on the eternal blessings that come from walking in righteousness.
Proverbs 24:19-20
“Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked, for the evildoer has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.”
In these verses, we are urged not to be consumed by envy or worry over the success and apparent prosperity of evildoers. It reminds us that their success is transient and lacks a future hope.
Therefore, as believers, instead of gloating over the short-lived accomplishments of the wicked, we can find solace in the truth that righteousness and obedience to God’s commandments will ultimately be rewarded. Our focus should be on faithfully walking in God’s ways rather than being preoccupied with the temporary successes of the wicked.
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
This verse warns against the dangers of pride and haughtiness. It reminds us that those who indulge in arrogance and self-importance are destined for destruction and downfall.
In the context of gloating, this verse emphasizes the importance of humility and groundedness. It serves as a reminder that our achievements and accomplishments should not elicit feelings of superiority or a desire to gloat over others. Instead, we are called to cultivate humility and acknowledge that all good things come from God.
Job 5:11
“The lowly he sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety.”
This verse showcases the divine justice and mercy of God. It reminds us that God has a special regard for the lowly and the mourners, uplifting and protecting them in times of need.
Therefore, rather than gloating over the misfortunes of those who are suffering, we should emulate the compassionate character of God by extending a helping hand and supporting those who are in distress. By doing so, we participate in God’s work of restoration and bring comfort to those who are hurting.
Psalm 73:3
“For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
In this verse, the Psalmist candidly expresses their struggle with envy and gloating over the success of the wicked. It acknowledges the human tendency to feel discontented and envious when observing the apparent prosperity of those who are unrighteous.
However, as the Psalm continues, the writer realizes the temporary nature of the wicked’s success and the ultimate fate that awaits them. This verse serves as a reminder to redirect our focus away from comparisons and towards trusting in God’s plans and justice.
Proverbs 24:17-19
“Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn His wrath away from them.”
These verses reiterate the importance of avoiding gloating or rejoicing in the misfortune of our enemies. It warns that such behavior displeases the Lord, who may choose to withhold His wrath from the wrongdoers if they repent.
As Christians, it is not our place to accelerate judgment but to extend God’s love, grace, and forgiveness to all. Rather than celebrating the failures of others, we should seek their transformation and reconciliation with God, recognizing that the same mercy we have received is available to them as well.
Job 20:5
“The mirth of the wicked is brief, the joy of the godless lasts but a moment.”
This verse reminds us that the joy and mirth of the wicked are fleeting and transitory. It teaches us not to be deceived by momentary successes or pleasures that may come from unrighteousness.
As believers, we can find comfort in the truth that true and lasting joy is found in a relationship with God. Rather than gloating over the temporary pleasures of the wicked, we should fix our eyes on eternal blessings and pursue righteousness, which leads to everlasting joy.
Proverbs 24:2
“Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.”
This verse compels us to intervene and help those who are in distress or facing imminent destruction. It urges us not to revel in the misfortune of others but to act with compassion and empathy.
Gloating over the suffering of others disregards their humanity and goes against the teachings of Christ. Instead, we should strive to emulate His love and actively seek opportunities to rescue and restore those who are in need.
Proverbs 3:31
“Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways.”
This verse cautions against envy and the desire to imitate the ways of the violent. It serves as a reminder that as followers of Christ, we should abhor violence and avoid seeking vengeance or celebrating the triumphs of those who engage in it.
Instead, we are called to pursue peace, reconciliation, and justice through nonviolent means. By doing so, we demonstrate Christ’s love and further His kingdom on earth.
Obadiah 1:10
“Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever.”
This verse warns of the consequences of engaging in violence against others, specifically the harm inflicted upon the brother Jacob. It speaks to the judgment that awaits those who perpetrate violence and injustice.
By highlighting the destructive nature of violence, this verse rebukes any inclination to gloat or delight in the suffering caused by the violent. Instead, we are called to seek peace, advocate for justice, and demonstrate God’s love in a broken world.