In the Bible, a “scoffer” refers to a person who mocks or shows contempt for spiritual truths and wisdom, often ridiculing those who adhere to them. This term is often associated with pride and a refusal to accept correction or instruction, as seen in Proverbs 1:22 and Psalm 1:1.
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 Meaning of a Scoffer
In the biblical context, the term “scoffer” carries significant weight as it characterizes an individual who not only ridicules divine wisdom but also epitomizes a broader spiritual and moral defiance. Proverbs 1:22 exemplifies this by asking, “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?” This rhetorical question highlights the scoffer’s deliberate choice to embrace ignorance and mockery rather than seeking understanding and wisdom. This disdain for spiritual truths ultimately leads to a lack of growth and understanding, distancing the scoffer from God’s guidance.
Furthermore, the Psalms also warn against the company of scoffers, as indicated in Psalm 1:1: “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.” Here, the psalmist highlights the blessedness of those who avoid such individuals and their harmful influences. The broader meaning of being a scoffer in the Bible reminds the faithful of the importance of humility, openness to correction, and the pursuit of wisdom. Scoffers represent a mindset that ultimately leads to spiritual folly, harnessing the danger of dismissing divine truth, which serves as a cautionary tale for all believers seeking to walk in the ways of righteousness.
The concept of scoffing extends beyond mere ridicule and into the realm of prideful obstinacy against divine truth throughout scripture. In various passages, scoffers are often depicted as individuals who dismiss the words of the wise and scorn the instructions of God. Their attitudes breed contempt, not only for spiritual teachings, but also for those who adhere to such wisdom. This indicates that scoffers not only stand in opposition to God but also serve as a stumbling block for others, potentially leading them astray.
In the New Testament, scoffing serves as a warning for the faithful, particularly in the context of end times and the return of Christ. As noted by the Apostle Peter, scoffers will arise, questioning the promise of Christ’s return and exploiting doubts to foster disbelief. This attitude illustrates a deeper spiritual blindness, where they cannot see the reality of divine promises because of their hardened hearts. Such passages reaffirm the necessity for believers to remain vigilant and steadfast, recognizing that while scoffers may seek to undermine faith with their cynicism, it is through steadfast faith and adherence to God’s word that true wisdom and understanding are achieved. Ultimately, the biblical narrative encourages a posture of humility and receptiveness, contrasting sharply with the scoffer’s stubbornness and disbelief.
The Attitude of Rejection
In the Bible, a scoffer is often characterized by a dismissive and contemptuous attitude towards wisdom, instruction, and the teachings of God. This rejection is not merely a disagreement but an active derision of what is considered sacred or valuable. Scoffers tend to mock those who seek to live righteously or who adhere to spiritual principles, showcasing a profound lack of respect for divine authority and moral guidance.
Consequences of Scoffing
The Bible frequently highlights the consequences that befall scoffers. Their disdain for wisdom and truth can lead to a life devoid of understanding and ultimately result in their downfall. This theme serves as a warning to those who might adopt a scoffing attitude, emphasizing that such behavior can isolate individuals from community, wisdom, and ultimately, from God’s favor.
The Contrast with the Wise
In biblical literature, scoffers are often contrasted with the wise. While the wise seek knowledge, understanding, and humility, scoffers embody arrogance and ignorance. This dichotomy serves to illustrate the importance of a teachable spirit and the value of seeking truth, as opposed to the destructive nature of scoffing, which leads to spiritual stagnation and moral decay.
How to Embrace Wisdom and Truth in Faith
Embracing wisdom and truth in your faith journey is a deeply personal and transformative process that requires both humility and a willingness to learn. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture, allowing the words of the Bible to guide your understanding of God’s character and His will for your life. Seek out wise counsel from trusted mentors or fellow believers who can offer insights and perspectives that challenge and enrich your own. Remember, wisdom often comes through experience and reflection, so take time to meditate on your life’s lessons and how they align with biblical truths. Pray earnestly for discernment, asking the Holy Spirit to illuminate your path and help you recognize the truth in every situation. As you cultivate a heart that values wisdom, you’ll find that your faith deepens, leading you to live out the love and grace of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.
Bible References to Scoffers in Scripture:
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 19:25-29: 25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
26 He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother is a son who brings shame and reproach.
27 Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
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 21:11-13: 11 When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise;
when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
12 The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he throws the wicked down to ruin.
13 Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.
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.
Proverbs 22:10-12: 10 Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out,
and quarreling and abuse will cease.
11 He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.
12 The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the traitor.
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.
2 Peter 3:3-7: 3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.
4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.”
5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God,
6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished.
7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
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.