But do not gloat over the day of your brother
    in the day of his misfortune;
do not rejoice over the people of Judah
    in the day of their ruin;
do not boast
    in the day of distress. (obadiah 1:12)

This is Darlene.  It has been a somewhat tumultuous time in my work scene in the past month, with hasty departures both among my direct co-workers and people that I have worked for/worked near in years past.  I am struck by how hard it is to put the principles exemplified above into practice in some cases.  My natural reaction is to gloat at the downturn of those who for some reason have lost my respect professionally.  To consider and even savor in my mind all the things that made this loss of face occur. 

It's an active struggle to not engage in the water cooler, aka cube-land gossip. I have to confess that, especially with some individuals, I do.  I realized today how empty that made me feel.

I am reminded of other verses that talk about what I should be boasting in:

"If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness." - 2 Cor. 11: 30

"My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad." - Psalm 34: 2

"but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.” - Jeremiah 9:34

This does not take away the fact that I fundamentally think that people who are slackers, bullies, or liars are not ideal co-workers.  In serious cases of malfeasance, it is important that truth come to light.  But I think in large part, I put myself in the place of judge (and mocker) and that's not where I belong.

Ask me about it in person some time, see whether I can cite any growth in this area (with God's help).  I need it.