“Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; yes, strife and reproach will cease” (Proverbs 22:10).
Three significant characteristics of a scoffer are: 1) He is antagonistic and argumentative (Prov. 22:10; 29:8); 2) He is a terrible listener, especially when rebuked (Prov. 21:25); and 3) He is proud, arrogant, and haughty (Prov. 21:24). (See the June 30th blog “Significant Characteristics of a Scoffer”.)
The two Greek verbs which are translated as “scoff” or “mock” in most English translations reveal why a scoffer is such a spiritually toxic person.
Empaizo means “to play like a child”. Without proper instruction, correction, and expectations, a child will think everything is a game. All of life is about having fun. Nothing is sacred and serious; everything is frivolous and meaningless. Therefore, scoffers will foolishly mock sin (Prov. 14:9).
Mukterizo means “to turn up the nose at; to sneer at; to treat with contempt”. The spiritually infantile mind of a scoffer will be expressed repeatedly by a lack of reverence for the weighty, spiritual things of life. A scoffer believes he can sneer at God, treat Him with contempt, and everything will be fine. But “God is not mocked” (Gal. 6:7).
Because of the intense toxicity of a scoffer, a righteous man’s life is blessed because he does not “sit in the seat of the scornful” (Ps. 1:1). All scoffers ought to be avoided.
