17 Do not gloat when your enemy falls;
    when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice,
18 or the Lord will see and disapprove
    and turn his wrath away from them.

Talking Smack

As long as it’s fun, we can get away with talking al kinds of smack, even in Christian circles.  Based on today’s verses, I would urge some caution.  It is good to be victorious in life, board-games, and sports.  It is good to have the affirmation that we are not one of life’s losers.  However, when we talk smack we are talking as though God does not exist, which is foolish.  We should be grateful to God for our talents and victories.  We should also not delight so much to see the creations of God lose.  Our skills and abilities are gifts from God.  We should use them well without a superior, “Yeah!  Bring it!  You’re going down!”  Maybe God will then take pleasure in letting you triumph a second time.

Questions

1. What doesn’t a wise person do when their enemy falls?
2. What might God do if we gloat?
3. Over what kinds of situations might an ancient Israelite gloat?
4. When do people around you or on TV gloat?
5. What would be a better approach than gloating?  What stands in the way of us getting there?