In the Bible, “scorn” refers to a strong expression of contempt or disdain, often directed at others, and is associated with foolishness and pride (Proverbs 3:34; Proverbs 13:1). Scorn can lead to conflict and is contrasted with wisdom and humility.
Scripture
22 “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?”
23 If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.
24 Because I have called and you refused to listen,
have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded,
25 because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof,
26 I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when terror strikes you,
27 when terror strikes you like a storm
and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
when distress and anguish come upon you.
28 Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me.
29 Because they hated knowledge
and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
30 Because they hated knowledge
and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
31 Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way,
and have their fill of their own devices.
32 For the simple are killed by their turning away,
and the complacency of fools destroys them;
33 but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”
Biblical Definition of Scorn
In the Bible, scorn is often depicted as a manifestation of human pride and a refusal to engage with wisdom and humility. For instance, in Proverbs 3:34, it is stated, “Surely he scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble.” This verse underscores the divine disfavor directed towards those who mock or belittle others, suggesting that a scornful heart distances itself from God’s grace. Furthermore, Proverbs 13:1 illustrates this dynamic, indicating that a wise son heeds his father’s instruction, whereas a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. Such passages reveal that scorn not only encapsulates disdain for others but also represents a broader rejection of wisdom—a trait that ultimately leads to folly and estrangement from righteous living.
The implications of scorn extend beyond mere interpersonal relationships, hinting at a spiritual condition that separates individuals from the divine community and wisdom of God. The Psalms further expound this theme, as seen in Psalm 1:1, which advises against walking in the counsel of the wicked, standing in the way of sinners, or sitting in the seat of scoffers. Such imagery portrays scoffers as entrenched in a pattern of life that is antithetical to faith and obedience. Thus, scorn signifies a profound moral and spiritual failing; it alienates individuals not only from their peers but also from the transformative wisdom that God offers. In essence, the biblical narrative encourages humility and teaches that scorn, in all its manifestations, ultimately leads to one’s downfall, while embracing wisdom brings about a closer relationship with God and a more harmonious existence with others.
Scorn in the Bible is not only indicative of a lack of reverence for others but also serves as a barrier to understanding and following God’s teachings. The biblical text frequently associates scornful behavior with a heart hardened against divine truth. For example, the portrayal of scoffers often presents them as individuals who mock both God and His ways, which reflects a deep-seated disbelief and rejection of spiritual guidance. Such attitudes are cautioned against throughout the Scriptures, as they obstruct one’s ability to discern wisdom and cultivate a fruitful relationship with the Lord. By embodying a spirit of disbelief, those who scorn become entangled in their own folly, often leading to detrimental consequences both in this life and the life to come.
Moreover, scorn is also depicted as an attitude that spreads and influences others negatively. This collective aspect is noted in various writings, suggesting that those steeped in scorn often lead others astray, compounding their own spiritual detriment. The book of Proverbs frequently contrasts the behavior of the wise and the scornful, indicating that the former group seeks knowledge and understanding, while the latter revel in their disdain and mockery. This sharp dichotomy serves as a warning: embracing scorn not only distorts one’s perspective but also endangers the community’s moral fabric. In contrast, admonitions in Scripture encourage believers to foster a spirit of humility and receptiveness, which promotes unity and strength in faith—a stark opposition to the divisive nature of scorn. In cultivating virtues such as patience and understanding, individuals can build up rather than tear down, drawing closer to God and leading others in shared wisdom.
The Nature of Scorn as Rejection of Wisdom
In biblical texts, scorn often represents a profound rejection of wisdom and understanding. It is not merely a disdainful attitude but signifies an active choice to dismiss the guidance and teachings that lead to a righteous life. This rejection can lead to a cycle of folly, where the scorner becomes increasingly isolated from the community of the wise, ultimately facing the consequences of their choices.
The Consequences of Scornful Behavior
Scorn is depicted as a behavior that invites negative repercussions, both socially and spiritually. Those who scorn often find themselves at odds with others, leading to conflict and division. Furthermore, the Bible suggests that scornful individuals may face divine judgment, as their attitude reflects a heart that is resistant to humility and repentance. This highlights the importance of maintaining a humble spirit and being open to correction and growth.
The Contrast Between Scorn and Humility
The biblical narrative frequently contrasts scorn with humility. While scorn is associated with arrogance and a lack of respect for others, humility is celebrated as a virtue that fosters community and understanding. This contrast serves as a reminder that a humble heart is more receptive to wisdom and guidance, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and righteous life. The call to humility encourages individuals to seek knowledge and understanding rather than dismissing it through scorn.
How to Rise Above Rejection and Embrace Christ’s Love
Experiencing rejection can be one of the most painful aspects of life, but as Christians, we have a profound source of comfort and strength in Christ’s love. When we face rejection—whether from friends, family, or society—we can turn to the Scriptures to remind ourselves that we are never truly alone. Jesus Himself faced rejection, yet He responded with grace and compassion, showing us that our worth is not defined by others’ opinions but by our identity as beloved children of God. Embrace this truth by spending time in prayer and reflection, allowing His love to fill the void that rejection can create. Surround yourself with a supportive community that uplifts you and reminds you of your value in Christ. Remember, every time you feel rejected, you can lean into the arms of a Savior who accepts you unconditionally, and in that embrace, you will find the strength to rise above the hurt and shine His light into the world.
Bible References to Scorn in Scripture:
Proverbs 3:33-35: 33 The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
34 Toward the scorners he is scornful,
but to the humble he gives favor.
35 The wise will inherit honor,
but fools get disgrace.
Proverbs 9:7-12: 7 Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,
and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied,
and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
Proverbs 13:1-3: 1 A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
2 From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good,
but the desire of the treacherous is for violence.
3 Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
Proverbs 14:6-9: 6 A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.
7 Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way,
but the folly of fools is deceiving.
9 Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance.
Proverbs 15:12-14: 12 A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.
13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face,
but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.
14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,
but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
Proverbs 19:28-29: 28 A worthless witness mocks at justice,
and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.
29 Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and beating for the backs of fools.
Proverbs 21:24-26: 24 “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.
25 The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.
26 All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.
Isaiah 28:14-22: 14 Therefore hear the word of the Lord, you scoffers, who rule this people in Jerusalem!
15 Because you have said, “We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol we have an agreement, when the overwhelming whip passes through it will not come to us, for we have made lies our refuge, and in falsehood we have taken shelter”;
16 therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’”
17 And I will make justice the line, and righteousness the plumb line; and hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and waters will overwhelm the shelter.”
18 Then your covenant with death will be annulled, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand; when the overwhelming scourge passes through, you will be beaten down by it.
19 As often as it passes through it will take you; for morning by morning it will pass through, by day and by night; and it will be sheer terror to understand the message.
20 For the bed is too short to stretch oneself on, and the covering too narrow to wrap oneself in.
21 For the Lord will rise up as on Mount Perazim;
as in the Valley of Gibeon he will be roused;
to do his deed—strange is his deed!
and to work his work—alien is his work!
22 Now therefore be not mockers, lest your bonds be made strong; for I have heard a decree of destruction from the Lord God of hosts upon the whole land.
Isaiah 29:20-21: 20 For the ruthless shall come to nothing and the scoffer cease, and all who watch to do evil shall be cut off,
21 those who by a word make a man out to be an offender, and lay a snare for him who reproves in the gate, and with an empty plea turn aside him who is in the right.
Jeremiah 15:17-18: 17 I did not sit in the company of revelers,
nor did I rejoice;
I sat alone, because your hand was upon me,
for you had filled me with indignation.
18 Why is my pain unceasing,
my wound incurable,
refusing to be healed?
Will you be to me like a deceitful brook,
like waters that fail?
Psalm 1:1-6: 1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Psalm 123:3-4: 3 Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt.
4 Our soul has had more than enough of the scorn of those who are at ease, of the contempt of the proud.
Matthew 27:27-31: 27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, and they gathered the whole battalion before him.
28 And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him,
29 and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
30 And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head.
31 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him.
Luke 18:9-14: 9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt:
10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.”
11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’
13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.