Jonah 4:10
Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night:
JONAH 4:10
God’s rebuke about the gourd’s value to Jonah highlights misplaced priorities. Jonah’s care for the plant—though it was not his labor—contrasts with God’s concern for Nineveh, a city with many inhabitants who are unaware of right and left.
This verse emphasizes God’s compassionate sovereignty: He cares deeply for the vulnerable and the nations, not just for those who share Jonah’s worldview. It redirects human concern from temporary blessings to eternal purposes.
This calls readers to re-center their affections. Ask: What are we overvaluing as “gourds” in our lives? How can we shift attention toward people in need? Practical steps: volunteer for outreach, advocate for vulnerable communities, or invest resources in long-term, mercy-centered initiatives rather than short-term comforts.
Cross-References: Luke 12:27-31; Matthew 6:33; James 2:14-17