It is very common for people to judge their self-worth and personal achievements relative to those of others. In fact, whether we like to admit it or not we may even wish that someone else achieves less so that we can be in a higher position.

The Sages of the Land of Israel (Talmud of the Land of Israel on Sanhedrin 4:14) teach us that when the Scripture states: "When the wicked perish there is joy (רינה)" ? (MISHLE 11:10), the true meaning is not that the people should rejoice when the wicked perished but "When the wicked perish there is calm".

One may be relieved when one’s oppressor is eliminated but should never rejoice. We should never get personal gain when someone else fails even if it is one’s enemy who wishes him harm. A person must measure one’s achievements against absolute standards but never against another’s.