What actions lead to "rejoicing at my distress" in Psalm 35:26? “May those who rejoice at my misfortune be ashamed and confounded; may those who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and reproach.” Actions Highlighted in the Verse • Rejoicing at another’s misfortune – Taking pleasure in someone else’s pain, fall, or hardship. • Exalting themselves over another – Elevating self, boasting, or magnifying one’s own position while another suffers. What These Actions Reveal • Malicious gloating—an inner satisfaction when harm comes to someone else (cf. Proverbs 24:17-18; Obadiah 1:12). • Arrogant pride—placing oneself above a brother or sister (cf. James 4:6; Luke 18:11). • Absence of love—contrary to 1 Corinthians 13:6, “Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness.” Consequences Pronounced in the Verse • Shame • Confusion (being “confounded”) • Reproach—public dishonor before God and people. These are God-ordained outcomes for hearts that gloat and boast at a neighbor’s distress. Takeaway Truths • Celebrating another’s hurt is sin; God calls it to judgment. • Pride that “exalts itself” invites divine humbling (Proverbs 16:18; 1 Peter 5:5-6). • The righteous response is empathy and intercession, not gloating (Romans 12:15; Galatians 6:2). |
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