“He who plots to do evil will be called a schemer. The devising of foolishness is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to men” (Proverbs 24:8-9).
Solomon is not timid about identifying and repeatedly emphasizing the types of people a wise person avoids being and associating with. These two verses identify three such categories of people.
The schemer. Doing evil to others is wicked. The desire to do evil to others is also wicked. Therefore, the scheming necessary to turn the wicked desire into a wicked action is wicked as well. Don’t be a schemer.
The fool. Doing foolish things is not a trait of wisdom. The brainstorming and planning needed to carry out a foolish action is sinful because without it, you would not have had any folly to participate in. Don’t be a fool.
The scoffer. Making light of weighty things is a telltale trait of pride and haughtiness (Prov. 21:24). A scoffer has a much higher regard for his own opinion than for God and His word. Such egregious arrogance is abominable to every wise person. Don’t be a scoffer.
