As we grow nearer to the end of Proverbs, it almost sounds as though some of Solomon's wisdom is repetitive and perhaps it is. That certainly doesn't make it any less significant or meaningful. A section from chapter 24 - verses 19-20, however, are not merely just a repeat or rephrase of some earlier wisdom sayings. "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." - Proverbs 24:19-20I know I've read this before, but I don't recall hearing the phrase "snuffed out". How did I miss that? It sounds more like it belongs in the gangsta translation of the Bible (if there were one). The meaning is clear - don't envy or be concerned about how those who do evil seem to get away with their deeds. In the end, they will receive their just reward (which is actually more like punishment than reward). In addition, it really sounds as though we feel badly for those who do evil...
"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 24:17-18When the wicked do fall, it's not a good response to say "Ha! You go just what you deserved!" Followers of God don't gloat. We don't lord it over others. So be careful about having a smug attitude as though you've never done anything wrong in your life.
When something or someone is already beat, there is no reason to continue to beat on them. When something is hurt, done, lost, sad then there is no need to continue to put them down any further... because there's no where for them to go from there. To make fun of someone who is experiencing this is against Christ-like character. They may have deserved what they got, but we don't need to applaud it.
Stay true to your identity.
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