The Doctrine of Scorn

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The ESV (capitalized) is used below, unless otherwise noted. I have added some bracketed material to the quoted verses.

The Doctrine of Scoffing

1.      Definition and description: the scoffer not only rejects the offer of grace of God and entry into the plan of God, but he makes fun of those who believe this. When given the opportunity, he will scorn and mock such people. From Got Questions.org: In Hebrew, the word translated "scoffer" or "mocker" can also mean "ambassador." So a scoffer is one who not only disagrees with an idea, but he also considers himself an ambassador for the opposing idea. He cannot rest until he has demonstrated the foolishness of any idea not his own. A scoffer voices his disagreement, ridicules all who stand against him, and actively recruits others to join his side. In the Bible, scoffers are those who choose to disbelieve God and His Word. They say in their hearts, "There is no God" (Psalm 14:1), and make it their ambition to ridicule those who follow God.

2.      Vocabulary:

         1)      Hebrew verb: lûwts (לוּץ) [pronounced loots], which means to scorn, make mouths at, talk arrogantly; to boast; to scoff, to deride; to speak barbarously [in a foreign tongue]. Strong’s #3887 & #3945 BDB #539.

         2)      As a masculine plural, Qal active participle, lûwts (לוּץ) [pronounced loots] means, scoffers, scorners; boasters.

         3)      Hebrew verb: lâʿag (לָעַג) [pronounced law-ĢAHG], which means to ridicule, to mock, to scorn, to laugh at, to stammer, to deride. Strong’s #3932 BDB #541.

         4)      Hebrew verb: sâchaq (שָׂחַק) [pronounced saw-KHAHK], which means, to laugh; by extension, it means to sport, to play, to jest; to mock, to hold in derision. Strong’s #7832 BDB #965.

         5)      Greek noun: empaiktês (ἐμπαίκτης) [pronounced ehmp-aheek-TACE], which means, a mocker, a scoffer, scorner, one who scorns. Thayer+ definitions only. Strong’s #1703.

         6)      Greek verb: empaizô (ἐμπαίζω) [pronounced ehmp-AHEED-zoh], which means, 1) to play with, trifle with; 1a) to mock, deride, scorn; 1b) to delude, deceive. Thayer+ definitions only. Strong’s #1702.

3.      It is a foolish man who scoffs God and His Word. Psalm 74:22

4.      It is the arrogant who scoff. Prov. 21:24 "Scoffer" is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.

5.      The scoffer rejects the Lord of Glory. Deut. 32:15 "But Jeshurun grew fat, and kicked; you grew fat, stout, and sleek; then he forsook God who made him and scoffed at the Rock of his salvation.

6.      Scoffing and mocking indicates negative volition toward the gospel and toward Bible doctrine. 2Chron. 36:16 But they kept mocking the messengers of God, despising his words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD rose against His people, until there was no remedy. See also Job 36:18.

7.      Scoffers often refuse to even acknowledge the authority of their own parents. Prov. 13:1 A wise son hears his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

8.      Many times, you are wasting your time reproving a scoffer. Prov. 9:7–9 Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. See also Prov. 15:1 23:9 29:1.

9.      Often, eliminating the scoffer from a group promotes harmony within that group. Prov. 22:10

10.    If a person who clings to wisdom has his days increased, it follows that a person negative to Bible doctrine, a person who scoffs at God, will live a shorter life. Prov 9:10–12 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

11.    Those who scoff are often motivated by arrogance; and they often favor restricting your opinion. Psalm 73:8 They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. (NIV) See Mark 7:21–22.

12.    The arrogant ridicule the believer. Psalm 123:4 We have endured no end of ridicule from the arrogant, of contempt from the proud. (NIV)

13.    People at the crucifixion ridiculed the Lord of Glory. Luke 23:35

14.    The believer is blessed to not emulate the scoffer. Psalm 1:1–2 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; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

15.    In some cases, it is best for the believer to avoid those who scoff at Jesus Christ. Prov 13:15–21 Good sense wins favor, but the way of the treacherous is their ruin. In everything the prudent acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly. A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing. Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored. A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools. Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good.

16.    Scoffers may think that they are pursuing wisdom, but they are not. They are unable to recognize it or to take it in. Prov. 14:6–7 A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding. Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.

17.    Wise men do not mind be corrected and do not mind hearing wisdom; scoffers reject divine viewpoint and do not want to be corrected. Prov. 9:8 15:12

18.    Some scoffers can only learn the hard way. Prov. 19:25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge. See also Prov. 21:11.

19.    If you are a scoffer, under discipline from God, stop your damn scoffing! Give ear to God. Isa. 28:22–23

20.    God continues to speak to the arrogant scoffers of Israel. In Acts 13:40–44, some of them responded with positive volition.

21.    God judges the scoffer as an abomination to mankind. Prov. 24:9

22.    Scoffers can destroy a city, a community or a nation. Prov. 29:8

23.    President Obama often uses scoffing and ridicule in order to sell his agenda. He is a disciple of Saul Alinsky, as is Hillary Clinton. Alinsky advised “Ridicule is man’s most potent weapon.” There is no defense. It’s irrational. It’s infuriating. It also works as a key pressure point to force the enemy into concessions. (Pretty crude, rude and mean, huh? They want to create anger and fear.).

24.    The scoffer lacks the human spirit, and is therefore unable to take in Bible doctrine. 1Cor. 2:13–14 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person [= the soulish man] does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly [= absurd, foolishness] to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

25.    The post-canon period of the Church Age appears to be the end times spoken of (in some instances) by the Apostles. It is during this time that there will be those who scorn and scoff at the plan of God. 2Peter 3:3–4 ...knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, "Where is the promise of His coming [Christ’s return]? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation." Jude 18–19 They said to you, "In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions." It is these [scoffers] who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.

26.    A nation filled with scoffers will face the wrath of God (2Chron. 36:16). Some people think that God is not dealing with national arrogance (expressed by scoffing) soon enough (Psalm 74:10 Prov. 1:22).

27.    Scoffers are punished in time and in eternity. Prov. 19:29

28.    Scoffers are said to have a covenant with death. Isa. 28:14–15 Therefore hear the word of the LORD, you scoffers, who rule this people in Jerusalem! 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";...

29.    Those who scoff will die in their sins at the end. Acts 13:40–41 Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about: "'Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.'" See also Isa. 29:20.

Some information was gleaned from http://www.openbible.info/topics/scoffers and Got Questions?; both accessed December 6, 2015. All other references also accessed December 6, 2015.

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