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Job 31:29-30. "If I have rejoiced at the ruin of him that hated me, or exulted when evil overtook him (I have not let my mouth sin by asking for his life with a curse)".

 

As he tries to figure out why God is allowing him to suffer so much, Job is reciting a list of possible offenses that he has not done, but which, if he had, could be an explanation for his many trials.

 

It is a very difficult thing to not take some degree of pleasure in the foiling of an adversary. What I try to do as soon as someone comes onto my radar as not having my best interests at heart (or worse!), is to begin praying for them. This disposes me to think of them as precious in God's eyes, and worthy of His love, even if I'm having a hard time loving them myself. Then, if and when misfortune falls them, I don't feel satisfaction at it but I pray all the harder that their suffering leads them to a change of heart.

 

An enemy's ruin may be God's justice, but His justice always goes hand in hand with His mercy. He wants them to repent before it's too late, and if that's what He wants, it's what I should want as well. There's not much room for praying for their repentance, however, if I'm busy gloating over their downfall.