Don’t Gloat at Your Enemy

by John Tilton on June 02, 2025

SCRIPTURE:

“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.”
Proverbs 24:17-18

 

 

OBSERVATION:

This proverb is interesting in cautioning one not to gloat when someone we have disdain for encounters challenges, less the Lord bless them with a reprieve of what they’re going through.  Are they reaping what they sowed?

APPLICATION:

This scripture tells it like it is and reflects our hearts.  Jesus loves even those who do us wrong and may show them mercy for whatever God-ordained reason.  If I’m being honest, my first response would want to be “Haha good for you. You probably reaping what you sowed.”  But I know that Roman’s 12:19 says that vengeance and judgment is the Lord’s.  If I don’t gloat but feel empathy, is that exampling Jesus’ love and humility, like turning my cheek after I was slapped in the face, stabbed in the back, or got my character killed?  Wow, I realize how much grace Jesus afforded to those who mocked and killed Him.  Okay, (deep breath), I’m gonna choose to forgive and not gloat, and have peace that God knows and that vengeance and justice is His.

PRAYER:

Lord, please guide me to be real in my pursuit after your heart in my character, thoughts, and actions.  When I am hurt by others, help me to heal, and not hold grudges; but to surrender them to you and rest in your knowledge, love, and justice.

About the Author

John Tilton

Senior Pastor John Tilton has served at New Hope Oahu since it’s launch in 1995, and has been on staff in administration and as executive pastor for the past 14 years. The values and heart behind New Hope run deeply through Pastor John’s veins as he has trained, learned, and was mentored closely by Pastor Wayne.

A graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, Pastor John holds his Masters in Formational Leadership from Lancaster Bible College & Capital Seminary. He has served in various leadership, mentorship, and advisory roles in ministry and in the marketplace. He currently serves as Vice President of New Hope International and is on the Board of Directors of both Pacific Rim Christian University and New Hope Christian College. 

Pastor John is married to his amazing wife Lanu, is father to his son Ikaika, daughter Malie, son-in-law Noni, is Papa to his grandchildren Justice, Johanna, and Jordynn, all of whom serve in ministry as a family together at New Hope Oahu.

Pastor John’s heart is to love and shepherd the people of New Hope Oahu––both here on Oahu and globally across the world. He will seek to continue to develop leaders, enable people here to dream with vision and purpose for God’s unique call on their lives, and, most importantly, to seek God as He faithfully guides our church so that we can fully become the church, and the people, He has created and called us to be.

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