The Cost of Heartlessness

Our wisdom for today is taken from Proverbs 17:5.

“He who mocks the poor insults their Maker; whoever gloats over calamity will not go unpunished.”

From this text, notice especially the phrase, “whoever rejoices in calamity will not go unpunished.” It seems so human to rejoice when your enemy suffers. Why does God forbid this? This injunction speaks to the importance of compassion and empathy with others. Rejoicing in someone else’s misfortune reflects a hardened heart, one that finds pleasure in the suffering of others. This attitude not only damages our relationships with those around us but also distances us from God. 

When we find joy in others’ hardships, we are essentially ignoring the call to love and support one another. The Bible repeatedly urges us to bear each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) and to show kindness and mercy. Rejoicing in other’s pain is a direct contradiction to these teachings. It leads to a spiritual and moral downfall. This verse warns that such behavior will not go unpunished. 

Instead of finding satisfaction in others’ struggles, we should strive to be sources of encouragement and comfort, reflecting God’s love in our actions. 

I’m Lonnie Davis
And these are thoughts worth thinking.