Proverbs 24:17-20 (ESV)
17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,
18 lest the Lord see it and be displeased,
and turn away his anger from him.
19 Fret not yourself because of evildoers,
and be not envious of the wicked,
20 for the evil man has no future;
the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
According to Saying 28, God does not want his people to be cold and cruel toward others, even their enemies, but remember that every human life bears the image of God and has value to him. Although our adversaries may be arrogant, heartless, and even treat us with brutality, the Lord does not want us to add evil to evil by returning their animosity toward us with further hatred. We must stand up for what is right, but not give way to moral ugliness in the process. We have been given the free gift of God’s grace and must continually seek to extend his grace to others. Saying 29 adds that God’s people are not to be angry and covetous as they see the ungodly prosper. It is right to be mad when God and his character are maligned, but we are to control our fury, always hoping for the best, refraining from the desire for revenge and leaving room for the wrath of God.