Topical Encyclopedia
Definition:Gloating refers to the act of taking pleasure in someone else's misfortune or downfall. It is often characterized by a sense of superiority or self-satisfaction at the expense of others. In the biblical context, gloating is viewed negatively and is associated with pride and a lack of compassion.
Biblical References:1.
Proverbs 24:17-18 : "Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, or the LORD will see and disapprove, and turn His wrath away from him."
This passage warns against taking pleasure in the misfortunes of others, even if they are considered enemies. It emphasizes that such behavior is displeasing to God and can lead to His disapproval.
2.
Obadiah 1:12 : "Do not gloat over your brother in the day of his calamity, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boastfully mock in the day of distress."
The prophet Obadiah condemns the Edomites for gloating over the destruction of Jerusalem. This verse highlights the inappropriateness of gloating, especially towards those with whom one shares a kinship or covenant relationship.
3.
Micah 7:8 : "Do not gloat over me, O my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light."
Here, the prophet Micah speaks against the enemies who might gloat over his misfortunes. The verse reflects a confidence in God's deliverance and a rejection of the enemy's triumphalism.
4.
Job 31:29 : "If I have rejoiced at my enemy’s ruin, or exulted when evil befell him..."
In this self-reflective passage, Job asserts his integrity by denying any pleasure in the downfall of his enemies. This highlights the moral high ground of refraining from gloating.
Theological Implications:Gloating is often linked to pride, a sin that is consistently condemned throughout Scripture. It reflects a heart that is not aligned with the love and compassion that God desires for His people. The act of gloating can lead to further sin, such as boasting and arrogance, and it disrupts the call to love one's neighbor as oneself (
Mark 12:31).
Moral and Ethical Considerations:From a moral standpoint, gloating is contrary to the virtues of humility and empathy. Christians are called to mourn with those who mourn (
Romans 12:15) and to show kindness and mercy, even to their adversaries. Gloating undermines these values and can damage relationships and community harmony.
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of humility and compassion, resisting the temptation to gloat over others' misfortunes. Instead, they should seek to support and uplift those who are struggling, reflecting the love and grace of Christ in their interactions.
Topical Bible Verses
James 1:14But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Topicalbible.orgActs 15:1-41
And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brothers, and said, Except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved.
Topicalbible.org
Romans 3:1-9:33
What advantage then has the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
Topicalbible.org
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Gloat.
Library
The Cruelty of the Sacrifices to the Gods.
... let us say in addition, what inhuman demons, and hostile to the human race, your
gods were, not only delighting in the insanity of men, butgloating over human...
Herod --A Startled Conscience
... So, of course, the prophet was slain, and the pale head brought in to that wild
revel, and, except for the malignantgloating of the woman over her gratified...
The Analogy Between the Two Advents of Christ.
... outdone, Pompey turned five hundred lions into the arena to engage an equal number
of his braves, and delicate ladies (?) sat applauding andgloating over the...
Private Property and the Common Good
... outlook to redeem his acquisitiveness. The man was a sublimated chipmunk,
gloating over bushels of pignuts. If wealth is saved to...
A Last Merciful Warning
... but note in Moses' prediction of the last plague the solemn enlargement on the details
of the widespread calamity, which is not unfeelinggloating over an...
Memory, Hope, and Effort
... And there are others to whom remembrance is mainly agloating over old sins, and
a doing again of these"ruminating upon them; bringing up the chewed food...
Wider Wooing.
... Its hateful worst is done, and horribly well done. And they stand about the cross
with unconcealedgloating in pose and face and speech and eyes....
The Title on the Cross
... It seemed a ludicrous travesty of royalty that a criminal dying there, with a crowd
of his 'subjects'gloating on his agonies and shooting arrowy words of...
Calvary
... roughly. No vengeance was invoked upon the priests and rulers, who were
gloating over the accomplishment of their purpose. Christ...
The Encamping Angel
... it bright. Eyes that have been gazing on earthly joys, or perhapsgloating
on evil sights, cannot see the Angel presence. A Christian...
Thesaurus
Gloating (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Gloating (1 Occurrence).
... They came as a whirlwind to scatter
me,
gloating as if to devour the wretched in secret. (WEB NIV).
...Gloats (1 Occurrence)
Gloated (5 Occurrences)
Wretched (14 Occurrences)
... warriors with their own spears. They came as a whirlwind to scatter me,
gloating as if to devour the wretched in secret. (WEB NIV)....
Shafts (6 Occurrences)
... warriors with their own spears. They came as a whirlwind to scatter me,
gloating as if to devour the wretched in secret. (See RSV)....
Stormed (2 Occurrences)
... warriors with their own spears. They came as a whirlwind to scatter me,gloating
as if to devour the wretched in secret. (See NAS NIV)....
Obadiah (21 Occurrences)
... The prophet describes the cruelty and shamelessgloating over a brother's calamity,
in the form of earnest appeals to Edom not to do the selfish and heartless...
Spears (25 Occurrences)
... with their own spears. They came as a whirlwind to scatter me,gloating
as if to devour the wretched in secret. (WEB BBE DBY NAS)....
Pierce (30 Occurrences)
... spears. They came as a whirlwind to scatter me,gloating as if to devour
the wretched in secret. (Root in WEB ASV YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Whirlwind (33 Occurrences)
... spears. They came as a whirlwind to scatter me,gloating as if to devour the
wretched in secret. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV). Zechariah...
Resources
Summary of the Book of Obadiah - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth (1 Corinthians 13:6)? | GotQuestions.orgGloating: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
