The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Proverbs 24:17-22, “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;
18 Or the LORD will see it and be displeased, and turn His anger away from him.
19 Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked;
20 For there will be no future for the evil man; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
21 My son, fear the LORD and the king; do not associate with those who are given to change,
22 For their calamity will rise suddenly, and who knows the ruin that comes from both of them?”

Everyone likes to win! Whether it’s a sports event whose players are totally unknown or a contest where every entry is known. The name of any game is “winning.”

At the same time, the Bible teaches us “not to rejoice when (our) enemy falls.” It may seem natural to be glad when those who have bragged about their abilities, then stumble and embarrass themselves; but the Scriptures say we are not to rejoice over someone else’s failure.

There is a consequence to having a bad attitude. When we belong to the LORD, the situation (whatever it may be) is best left in His hands. “But, he’s my enemy!” you say. Yes, but the LORD knows all the circumstances and He declares that there is “no future for the evil man.” Take note of those who stay straight and always commit everything to the LORD. Otherwise, calamities will befall you. You can’t do wrong and get by.
Instead, fear (????? yare, reverence) the LORD and calamity will fall upon those depart from Him.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom