We can group people under two broad headings. Firstly, those who grieve God’s heart. A vast majority of the people in Noah’s days did grieve His heart. Another example is king Saul, the first anointed king of Israel, who got the throne on a platter. While he was looking for his father’s lost donkeys, he contacted Samuel. The prophet did not only tell him that the asses had been found, but that God had chosen him to be king. However, he messed up badly and God did not hide his disappointment. “Now the word of the Lord came to Samuel, saying, “I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.” And it grieved Samuel, and he cried out to the Lord all night.” (I Samuel 15:10-11 NKJV). Saul ended up grieving both God and man.
The difference between the two groups is the will of God. Living contrary to God’s will grieve Him while living by His word and for His purpose will gladden Him.
Secondly, those who gladden the heart of God. David will be a good illustration of this class of people. Saul’s disobedience led to his rejection as king. God found his replacement in David. Here is God’s testimony about the new king: “And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’” (Acts 13:22 NKJV). While David was not perfect, he nonetheless had a broken and contrite spirit which is of a great price before the Lord. Of course, Jesus would be the perfect representation of those who gladden the heart of God. The Father testified of Him, “This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased”. The difference between the two groups is the will of God. Living contrary to God’s will grieve Him while living by His word and for His purpose will gladden Him.