Proverbs 24:18
Proverbs 24:18 in Multiple Translations
or the LORD will see and disapprove, and turn His wrath away from him.
Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.
Lest Jehovah see it, and it displease him, And he turn away his wrath from him.
For fear that the Lord may see it, and it may be evil in his eyes, and his wrath may be turned away from him.
otherwise when the Lord sees it, he'll be unhappy with you and won't punish your enemies as he planned.
Least the Lord see it, and it displease him, and he turne his wrath from him.
Lest Jehovah see, and [it be] evil in His eyes, And He hath turned from off him His anger.
lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.
Lest the LORD see it , and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.
Lest the Lord see, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.
because Yahweh will know what you are thinking, and he will not like it, and as a result he will not punish that enemy of yours.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 24:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 24:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
פֶּן
יִרְאֶ֣ה
יְ֭הוָה
וְ/רַ֣ע
בְּ/עֵינָ֑י/ו
וְ/הֵשִׁ֖יב
מֵ/עָלָ֣י/ו
אַפּֽ/וֹ
פֶּן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
יִרְאֶ֣ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְ/רַ֣ע
râʻaʻ
H7489
be evil
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
בְּ/עֵינָ֑י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
וְ/הֵשִׁ֖יב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
מֵ/עָלָ֣י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Prep | Suff
אַפּֽ/וֹ
ʼaph
H639
face
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 24:18
פֶּן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
יִרְאֶ֣ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ/רַ֣ע
râʻaʻ
H7489
"be evil"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This word means to shatter or break something into pieces, making it useless or bad. It can also mean to afflict or displease someone.
Definition: 1) to be bad, be evil 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be displeasing 1a2) to be sad 1a3) to be injurious, be evil 1a4) to be wicked, be evil (ethically) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to do an injury or hurt 1b2) to do evil or wickedly 1b3) mischief (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 99 OT verses. KJV: afflict, associate selves (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), break (down, in pieces), [phrase] displease, (be, bring, do) evil (doer, entreat, man), show self friendly (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), do harm, (do) hurt, (behave self, deal) ill, [idiom] indeed, do mischief, punish, still, vex, (do) wicked (doer, -ly), be (deal, do) worse. See also: Genesis 19:7; Psalms 27:2; Psalms 2:9.
בְּ/עֵינָ֑י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
וְ/הֵשִׁ֖יב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
מֵ/עָלָ֣י/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אַפּֽ/וֹ
ʼaph
H639
"face"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 24:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 24:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:18
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:18
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:18
Context — Saying 28
16For though a righteous man may fall seven times, he still gets up; but the wicked stumble in bad times.
17Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles,
18or the LORD will see and disapprove, and turn His wrath away from him.
19Do not fret over evildoers, and do not be envious of the wicked. 20For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zechariah 1:15–16 | but I am fiercely angry with the nations that are at ease. For I was a little angry, but they have added to the calamity. ’ Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there My house will be rebuilt, declares the LORD of Hosts, and a measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem.’ |
| 2 | Lamentations 4:21–22 | So rejoice and be glad, O Daughter of Edom, you who dwell in the land of Uz. Yet the cup will pass to you as well; you will get drunk and expose yourself. O Daughter of Zion, your punishment is complete; He will not prolong your exile. But He will punish your iniquity, O Daughter of Edom; He will expose your sins. |
Proverbs 24:18 Summary
This verse reminds us that God sees everything we do and think, and when we rejoice in someone else's trouble, He doesn't approve. Instead of gloating, we should pray for those who have wronged us, just like Jesus taught in Matthew 5:44, and remember that we are all sinners in need of God's love and mercy. By choosing compassion and humility, we can avoid God's disapproval and live in a way that pleases Him, as encouraged in Psalms 37:3-4 and Proverbs 16:7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the LORD to 'see and disapprove' in Proverbs 24:18?
This phrase means that God is aware of our actions and attitudes, and when He sees us rejoicing in the misfortune of others, He does not approve, as seen in Proverbs 24:17 and also in Psalms 35:13-14 where we are called to mourn with those who mourn.
How can I avoid gloating over my enemy's fall as mentioned in Proverbs 24:17-18?
To avoid gloating, we should pray for our enemies and those who wrong us, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:44, and focus on loving them as ourselves, remembering that we are all sinners in need of God's mercy, as stated in Romans 3:23.
What is the significance of the LORD turning His wrath away from the wicked in Proverbs 24:18?
This phrase suggests that when we gloat over the wicked, God may redirect His attention and wrath towards us instead, emphasizing the importance of humility and compassion, as encouraged in Micah 6:8 and Proverbs 16:5.
Is it ever right to feel happy when someone who has wronged me faces trouble?
According to Proverbs 24:17-18, no, it's not right to rejoice in someone's misfortune, even if they have wronged us, because this attitude can lead to God's disapproval, as also warned in Obadiah 1:12 and Proverbs 17:5.
Reflection Questions
- How do I currently respond when I see my enemies or those who have wronged me facing difficulties, and is this response pleasing to God?
- In what ways can I practice loving my enemies and praying for those who persecute me, as taught in Matthew 5:44?
- What are some common situations in my life where I might be tempted to gloat or feel happy about someone else's misfortune, and how can I prepare myself to respond differently in those situations?
- How does remembering that God sees and knows all my actions and attitudes help me to choose compassion and humility over gloating or revenge?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:18
Lest the Lord see [it], and it displease him,.... Who sees all things, not only external actions, but the heart, and the inward motions of it; and though men may hide the pleasure they feel at the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:18
Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. Lest the Lord ... turn, away his wrath from him - upon thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:18
Understand, upon thee, which is implied in the Hebrew phrase, such defects being usual in that concise language, , and oft elsewhere. This consideration strikes at the root of that sinful and inhuman disposition, which is an expectation of safety or advantage to himself by his enemy’ s downfall, which, saith he, by this very mean thou shalt lose, for thine enemy shall be raised, and thy danger greatly increased, by thy provoking both God and him against thee.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:18
Proverbs 24:18 Lest the LORD see [it], and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.Ver. 18. Lest the Lord see it,] viz., Thy pride and cruelty, as he will, for he is ολοφθαλμος, all eye, and εχει Yεοςεκδικονομμα, if he see, he will kindle and turn the wheel upon thee, as he threatened to do upon Edom, for looking with liking upon Israel’ s calamity. For prevention hereof, think thus with thyself, Either I am like mine enemy, or else I am better or worse than he. If like him, why may not I look for the like misery? If better, who made me to differ? If worse, what reason then have I to insult? See Obadiah 1:12.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:18
(18) And he turn away his wrath from him.—Upon thee as having sinned more deeply than thine enemy in thus rejoicing at his misfortunes. (Comp. Proverbs 17:5.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:18
Verse 18. And he turn away his wrath from him.] Wrath is here taken for the effect of wrath, punishment; and the meaning must be as paraphrased above-lest he take the punishment from him, and inflict it upon thee. And in this way Coverdale understood it: "Lest the Lorde be angry, and turn his wrath from him unto thee." Or we may understand it thus: Lest the Lord inflict on thee a similar punishment; for if thou get into his spirit, rejoicing in the calamities of another, thou deservest punishment.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:18
18. from him] Some commentators would add, “upon thee”; “et irascatur contra te,” Münster. It is better to leave the proverb as it stands, and to supplement its teaching by such proverbs as Proverbs 24:29, Proverbs 25:21-22.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:18
See the margin. The meaning is “Thy joy will be suicidal, the wrath of the righteous Judge will be turned upon thee, as the greater offender, and thou wilt have to bear a worse evil than that which
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:18
17, 18. Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth — The difficulty of this proverb is in the apparent lowness, not to say unworthiness, of the motive presented for abstaining from exultation over the