Proverbs 17:5 Whoso mocks the poor reproaches his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
Those who find joy in the suffering or downfall of others are not guiltless. To be glad at another’s calamity is to harden one’s heart against compassion and mercy, virtues central to God’s own nature. Such joy in destruction is a sin that God promises to punish.
Two biblical examples of being punished for rejoicing at calamity: [1] The Tyrians – “Son of man, because that Tyrus had said against Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken… I am against thee, O Tyrus, and will cause many nations to come up against thee…” (Ezek. 26:2-6). Tyre rejoiced at Jerusalem’s fall, expecting to profit from her ruin. But God judged Tyre severely. [2] The Edomites – “In the day that thou stood on the other side… even thou was as one of them… neither should thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah…” (Obad. 1:10-15). Edom stood by and gloated over Judah’s destruction. For this, God declared judgment.
The phrase “shall not be unpunished” means that such a person will not go guiltless before God. He who mocks the poor or rejoices in calamity places himself under divine judgment. God is a just Judge and will not overlook cruelty or pride disguised as pleasure.
Let us walk in humility and compassion, knowing that every soul, rich or poor, is made in the image of God. To mock the weak or celebrate another’s fall is to stand in opposition to the heart of God. “He that has mercy on the poor, lends unto the Lord” (19:17), and “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” (Matt. 5:7).
Living the Word 