vinced," said the Rabbi, "that wine keeps best in plain and mean vessels. It is even so with wisdom." "But," continued the princess, "I know many persons who are both wise and handsome." "True," replied the Sage, "but they would, most probably, be still wiser were they less handsome."
Mercy in Judgment A Parable of Rabbi Jochanan
Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth.—Proverbs xxiv. 17.
Rabbi Jochanan relates, that whilst the Egyptians were drowning in the Red Sea, the angels wished to chant the song of praise; but God rebuked them, saying "What! the works of my hand are perishing, and ye wish to sing!"
This fully agrees with the character of God, as given in various parts of Scripture; where he is represented as the God of mercy, who wishes not the destruction of the wicked, but their repentance. When, therefore, the wickedness of men calls down just punishment upon their guilty heads, it ought to serve as a warning, but not as a matter of joy.
