Bible Verses About Gloating: What Scripture Teaches About Pride and Humility

Have you ever felt a surge of satisfaction when someone who wronged you faced consequences? It’s human nature to feel tempted to rejoice at someone else’s misfortune — especially if they hurt us first. But what does the Bible say about gloating?

Gloating, also known as rejoicing over someone’s downfall, is addressed clearly in Scripture. The Bible consistently calls believers to humility, compassion, and love — even toward their enemies. In this post, we’ll explore powerful Bible verses about gloating, what they mean, and how we can apply them in our daily lives.

What Does the Bible Say About Gloating?

Gloating is more than just feeling happy about someone’s misfortune. It reflects:

• Pride
• A lack of compassion
• A hardened heart
• A desire for revenge

The Bible strongly warns against this attitude. Instead of celebrating someone’s failure, Scripture teaches us to show mercy and trust God with justice.

Let’s look at specific Bible verses that address this issue.

Key Bible Verses About Gloating

1. Proverbs 24:17-18 (One of the Clearest Warnings)

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

This verse couldn’t be more direct. It tells us:

• Don’t rejoice when your enemy falls.
• Don’t celebrate when they stumble.
• God takes notice of your heart attitude.

Interestingly, it even suggests that gloating may cause God to withhold judgment. Why? Because pride never pleases Him.

2. Proverbs 17:5 — Gloating Offends God

“Whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.”

This verse reminds us that gloating isn’t a harmless emotional reaction. It is something God sees as serious. Rejoicing over someone’s hardship — even if they “deserve it” — puts us in dangerous spiritual territory.

3. Obadiah 1:12 — A Warning to Nations

“You should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune.”

In this passage, God rebukes the nation of Edom for celebrating Israel’s downfall. This shows that:

• Gloating can be both personal and collective.
• Nations, communities, and individuals are accountable.
• God cares deeply about how we respond to others’ suffering.

4. Matthew 5:44 — A Radical Alternative

Instead of gloating, Jesus gives us a completely different command:

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

That’s a radical shift from human instinct. Rather than celebrating when someone who hurt us faces hardship, Christ calls us to pray for them.

5. 1 Corinthians 13:6 — What Love Does NOT Do

“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”

Gloating delights in pain and downfall. Biblical love doesn’t. If we claim to love others, even imperfectly, we cannot celebrate their suffering.

Why Gloating Is Spiritually Dangerous

Gloating may feel justified in the moment, but spiritually it can:

• Harden your heart
• Feed pride
• Block compassion
• Damage your witness
• Distance you from God

When we gloat, we step into God’s role as judge. Scripture reminds us that justice belongs to Him — not us.

“Do not take revenge… for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” — Romans 12:19

Healthy Alternatives to Gloating

Instead of rejoicing over someone’s failure, try these biblical responses:

✅ Pray for Them

Even a simple prayer softens your heart and aligns you with God’s will.

✅ Reflect on Your Own Humanity

We all make mistakes. Remembering this fosters humility.

✅ Ask God for Compassion

Sometimes compassion doesn’t come naturally. Ask for it.

✅ Focus on Personal Growth

Instead of watching others fall, invest in your own spiritual maturity.

Real-Life Example: David and Saul

King Saul repeatedly tried to kill David. Yet when Saul fell, David didn’t celebrate. In fact, he mourned. David understood something profound — even flawed people are still made in God’s image.

That’s a powerful model for us today.

Gloating in Today’s Culture

Social media has made public shaming and “cancel culture” commonplace. It’s easy to join in when someone is exposed, embarrassed, or criticized.

But Christians are called to stand apart.

Before reacting online, consider:

• Am I showing Christ’s character?
• Would I want this reaction if I failed?
• Is this response rooted in pride or love?

The Heart of the Matter: Pride vs. Humility

At its core, gloating stems from pride:

• “I would never do that.”
• “They finally got what they deserved.”
• “I’m better than them.”

The Gospel reminds us that we are all recipients of grace. None of us stand righteous on our own merit.

Humility says:

• “But for God’s grace, there go I.”
• “I hope they learn and grow.”
• “Lord, have mercy on us all.”

Final Thoughts: Choosing Compassion Over Celebration

The Bible verses about gloating send a consistent message: Don’t rejoice over someone’s downfall — even your enemy’s.

God calls us to something higher:

• Love instead of revenge
• Compassion instead of cruelty
• Prayer instead of pride
• Humility instead of superiority

Gloating may feel satisfying in the moment, but compassion reflects the heart of Christ.

The next time someone stumbles — especially someone who hurt you — pause. Ask God to shape your response. Because our reactions reveal the true condition of our hearts.

And in the end, it’s not about being right — it’s about being Christlike.