Scorners

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful." (Psalm 1: 1)

"Scorn" is defined by Merriam-Webster as "open dislike and disrespect" shown to others, as "derision often mixed with indignation." Scorn is an "expression of contempt or derision," an expression "of extreme disdain, contempt, or derision," against what is judged to be "contemptible."

Strong says "to scorn" includes the idea of "making mouths at," or "talking arrogantly" to another, to "mock" and "scoff."

Thus, to "sit in the seat of the scornful" is to practice showing scorn to others. It is a complete reversal of the command to "love your neighbor as yourself." To show scorn to neighbors is to hate and despise them.

People scorning one another is a common sight. People are overly critical and unmercifully judgmental, and they practice straining at gnats and swallowing camels.

"How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?" (Proverbs 1: 22)

Why is it delightful, for many, to scorn? What pleasure does pure meanness give to the scorner? Does it not stem from evil pride and selfishness? from an heart that knows only hate?

"Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly." (Proverbs 3: 34)

Here God justly scorns those who unjustly scorn others. He "feeds them out of their own spoons," so to speak.

"Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath." (Proverbs 21: 24)

Pride is associated, in the above verses, with the scorning of sinners against each other. Scorners do not receive grace and are not "lowly" and meek, but rather "deal in proud wrath," the source of their scorning.

"A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise." (Proverbs 15: 12)

Scorners do not delight in God's scorning of them. A scorner is one "who can dish it out, but can't take it himself." He will certainly not appreciate others pointing out his negative attitude and judgmental and cantankerous spirit. The habitual scorner will not hear criticism of himself from others.

"Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools." (Proverbs 19: 29)

There is really no good to come from the practice of showing scorn. It is an ugly practice, one hated by God and most men.

"The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men." (Proverbs 24: 9)

Most realize that the scorner is the proverbial "wet blanket," ruining the peace and joy of others. So Solomon said:

"Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease." (Proverbs 22: 10)

Men are just naturally full of hate due to sin and the sinful nature. They "live in malice" and are "hateful."

"For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another." (Titus 3: 3)

It was therefore a sad day in Israel when the Lord denounced the rulers in Israel as being scornful men.

"Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem." (Isaiah 28: 14)

It is not pleasant to be the recipient of unjust scorn. Jesus himself experienced the scorn of men. "...they laughed him to scorn." (Matthew 9: 24) So too the prophet Jeremiah. He said - "I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me." (Jeremiah 20: 7) Yea, every Christian knows what it means to be the "brunt" of scorn.

"Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us." (Psalm 44: 13 & 79: 4))

Friend, are you a "scorner" and "fault-finder" and "nit-picker"? Is your heart full of hate for others? Know that this is no uncommon sin, yet it is a very hurtful one. The Lord is able to save you from such a state and condition, to give you repentance and deliverance from this and all other sins.

"Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour." (Proverbs 14: 9)

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." (Acts 3: 19)