I've heard it often in various statements that someone wishes harm on another person, a family, or even wishing a business would close. I've probably been guilty of the same at some point in my life. In every community, people talk. Sometimes the talk is harmless, and sometimes it crosses a line. When accusations fly without proof, or when someone openly wishes harm on an individual, a family, or wishing the worst for a business, Scripture has a lot to say about this attitude. The Bible does not leave this kind of behavior in a gray area... it deals with it plainly, and it deals with it strongly.

  

We should never rejoice about someone else's troubles. Scripture is direct about this.

 

Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; Lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him (Proverbs 24:17,18).

 

God does not approve when we celebrate someone else’s hardship. Consider that the passage above is referring to an enemy. If God tells us not to rejoice when an enemy falls, then doing so toward a neighbor, a family, a business, or a person we barely know is most certainly sinful.

 

Judging anyone without evidence is condemned. People often jump to conclusions long before the facts are known. The Bible calls this foolish and shameful.

 

He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him (Proverbs 18:13).

 

The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him (Proverbs 18:17).

 

God expects judgment based on truth... not rumor, lawsuits, gossip, or someone’s anger.

 

Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment (John 7:24).

 

When someone judges a person or business based on hearsay, it is not righteous judgment. It is presumption, and God rejects it.

 

You may say, "Well... I heard this straight from the horse's mouth!" 

 

Go back to Proverbs 18:17 that was just referenced above. The first story will generally sound convincing, especially if it is from a relative or a friend whom you love. They may genuinely believe what they are saying, even if it is a biased opinion. Either way... it's still only one side of the matter. God literally tells us that judgment must wait until both sides are heard.

 

If you are on the riper side of age like I am, you will remember the old game many of us played in school. A classroom full of kids would sit in a circle, and one person would whisper a sentence into the ear of the person next to them. That person would whisper it to the next, and so on around the room. By the time the message reached the last person, it was almost never the same as when it started. It had changed, been distorted, exaggerated, shortened, or completely altered.

 

This is how information often spreads today... and it is why Scripture warns us not to trust one-sided accounts.

 

Consider what God hates.

These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren (Proverbs 6:16–19). 

Wishing harm, celebrating a downfall, or spreading unverified accusations causes discord... and God places that behavior in the category of things He hates.

 

Do you want to do something that God hates? 

 

Even when people hurt us or do wrong, God tells us to respond differently.

 

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you (Matthew 5:44).

 

 

There is no exception clause here.

No “but he deserves it.”

No “but I heard from someone else…”

God commands us to pray, not curse; to bless, not wish harm.

 

If that’s the standard for enemies, then it certainly applies to neighbors, families, and businesses... especially when truth is not even established.

 

When people cheer for someone else’s downfall, it attempts to take justice out of God’s hands.

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord (Romans 12:19).

 

There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another (James 4:12)?

 

God does not give believers the authority to wish destruction on others. He handles justice. He decides outcomes. When we try to play judge and executioner, we’re stepping into His territory.

  

Our words matter... especially as Christian.

 

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers (Ephesians 4:29).

 

Tearing down individuals, families, or businesses through harmful wishes, assumptions, or statements does not edify. It divides. It damages. It reflects poorly on the believer and dishonors God.

 

I believe sometimes we are too quick to forget the golden rule.

 

Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12).

 

If you were falsely accused or dragged through the mud while innocent, you would want people to show fairness and restraint. God calls us to give others the same grace we desire.

  

The consistent theme across Scripture is simple:

 

Whether it’s an individual, a family, a business, or anyone else... the Bible is clear: believers should not wish harm on others.

 

We are called to a higher, better standard.

  

In a world full of quick assumptions, loud accusations, and people rooting for others to fail, the Bible calls Christians to stand apart with grace, restraint, fairness, and prayer.

 

Not tearing down… but building up.

 

Not cursing… but blessing.

 

Not condemning… but letting God judge rightly.

 

That is the biblical way... and it has never changed.

 

God Bless You!

Sonnie Parker