משנה מסכת אבות פרק ד משנה יט
שמואל הקטן אומר (משלי כד) בנפול אויבך אל תשמח ובכשלו אל יגל לבך פן יראה ה' ורע בעיניו והשיב מעליו אפו
Shmuel Hakatan says: “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when your enemy stumbles; Lest God see it, and be displeased, and God turn away God’s wrath from your enemy. [Translation by Uri L”Tzedek. Edited for gender neutrality]
Suggested Discussion Questions:
1. Why would God but displeased if you are happy when your enemy falls?
2. Why does Shmuel HaKatan ultimately warn against this?
3. According to this text, who is ultimately responsible for exacting justice?
Time Period: Rabbinic (Maccabees through the Talmud)