Karma

It wasn't that long ago that you would never have heard the term "schadenfreude." That's because it's a German term and because lately the concept has become much more visible. Oh, what concept? Schadenfreude refers to the satisfaction, even pleasure, you experience when you see someone else's misfortune. It was the driving force behind the success of AFV -- America's Funniest Home Videos. Just watching all those foolish people get their comeuppance was fun. It's the feeling you get when that guy tears by you on the freeway and you think, "Where's a cop when you need one?" only to see him pulled over to the side a few miles ahead with said cop behind him. Schadenfreude. It's the part you like best in the movie when the bad guy gets his. Schadenfreude. There is an entire YouTube channel called "Instant Karma" in which person after person does something really wrong and immediately suffers the consequences. People love it because ... schadenfreude.

I admit I like it, too. Right up until I read this.

Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles, lest the LORD see it and be displeased, and turn away His anger from him. (Prov 24:17-18)

The other day I wrote about how it's okay to be wrong as long as you're being corrected by God's Word.

I stand corrected.