Proverbs 24:17-18 "When enemies fall"

“Rejoice not when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles: lest the LORD see it, and it displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him.”

Our vile human nature takes such delight to see our adversary stumble and fall. We can hardly wait to tell others of our rival’s demise. O, what a wretched lot we are! Instead of thinking of their good and seeking to win them to the Kingdom of God, we think only of our petty interests and differences. What an opportunity to show kindness to them, to help them, to lift them up, to show them unconditional love.
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“But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” –Matthew 5:44

Proverbs 18:3 “Companions of Wickedness”

“When a wicked man comes, contempt also comes, and with dishonor comes reproach.”

If you take company with a wicked man, you should expect a visit from his three companions: Contempt, Dishonor, and Reproach. Entertaining Mr. Wickedness will result is the greatest of misery for the Christian as he will force his trio of wicked friends upon you in an attempt to turn you from your First Love. The wise man will make no provision for Mr. Wickedness. Indeed, the wise man will flee when he sees Wickedness approaching and praise God for deliverance.

One thing we can learn from Mr. Wickedness is that, while his friends make the most horrid friends, those he hates are the most noble of friends. I highly recommend that you make their acquaintance. Some of Mr. Wickedness’ enemies include Righteousness, Godliness, Faith, Love, Perseverance and Gentleness. (1 Timothy 6:11)

Remember to always choose your friends carefully.

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Related Scriptures: 2 Timothy 2:22

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The wicked come in a variety of categories. Look at the different categories of wicked people in Matthew 27:39-44.

And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads  and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”

In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him and saying, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. He trusts in God; Let God rescue Him now, if He delights in Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”

The robbers who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him with the same words.