There will always be people who scoff at new ideas or try to bring others down. Whether it’s online or in person, dealing with scoffers can be draining. But understanding their behavior can help you rise above and keep focused on your goals.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Arguing With Your Spouse
What Does The Bible Say About Scoffers
Psalm 1:1
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.”
This verse reminds us that it is important to choose our companions wisely and avoid being influenced by those who mock or scoff at the things of God. By separating ourselves from such individuals, we can maintain our integrity and grow in our faith.
Proverbs 9:7-8
“Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.”
It is futile to engage in arguments or debates with scoffers, as it often leads to insults and unnecessary conflict. Instead, we should focus on sharing wisdom and truth with those who are receptive to correction. By discerning who is worth investing our time and energy in, we can foster healthy relationships and have a positive impact on others.
Proverbs 14:6
“A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.”
Scoffers may have a superficial desire for wisdom but lack the humility and discernment necessary to attain true knowledge. Those who are open-minded and receptive, however, will find that wisdom comes readily to them. It is important for us to cultivate a teachable spirit and seek wisdom diligently, allowing it to shape our understanding and actions.
Proverbs 19:29
“Penalties are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.”
There are consequences for scoffing at wisdom and rejecting instruction. Those who persist in their mockery and foolishness will ultimately face the repercussions of their actions. This verse serves as a warning, reminding us to be mindful of the choices we make and the attitudes we hold, knowing that there may be painful consequences if we choose to ridicule wisdom.
Proverbs 21:24
“The proud and arrogant person—“Mocker” is his name— behaves with insolent fury.”
Scoffers often exhibit pride and arrogance, treating others with contempt and disrespect. Their behavior reflects their heart’s condition. As followers of Christ, we are called to humility and love, striving to build others up rather than tearing them down. Let us guard against pride and arrogance, cultivating humility and compassion in our interactions with those around us.
Isaiah 28:14-15
“Therefore hear the word of the Lord, you scoffers, who rule this people in Jerusalem. You boast, “We have entered into a covenant with death, with the realm of the dead we have made an agreement. When an overwhelming scourge sweeps by, it cannot touch us, for we have made a lie our refuge and falsehood our hiding place.””
This passage addresses the scoffers who have turned away from the truth and placed their trust in lies and false security. Despite their confident boasts, their refuge is ultimately built on a foundation of falsehood. It serves as a reminder that true security and salvation can only be found in God, and not in the deceptive words or schemes of human beings.
Isaiah 29:20-21
“For the ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who have an eye for evil will be cut down— those who with a word make someone out to be guilty, who ensnare the defender in court and with false testimony deprive the innocent of justice.”
This passage speaks of the judgment that will come upon those who engage in malicious actions, including mocking and falsely accusing others. God sees the wickedness of human hearts and promises justice to those who have been wronged. As believers, we are called to seek justice and defend the innocent, trusting in God’s ultimate judgment on those who mock and perpetuate injustice.
Habakkuk 1:3
“Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds.”
The prophet Habakkuk expresses his distress over the prevalence of injustice and wrongdoing in his society. This verse is a poignant reminder that scoffing and mocking are often rooted in the reality of a fallen world. As Christians, we should not be complacent in the face of injustice but instead strive to be agents of change, offering hope and fighting for righteousness in a world marked by strife and conflict.
Matthew 9:24
““Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him.”
When Jesus told the mourners that the young girl was not dead but asleep, they responded with scoffing and laughter. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and belief in what may seem impossible to the world. The scoffers in this story missed witnessing the miraculous healing power of Jesus due to their unbelief. Let us not allow skepticism and mockery to blind us to the incredible works that God can do in our lives.
Matthew 20:17-19
“Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!””
Jesus foretells His impending suffering, which includes being mocked and crucified. This verse highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and Jesus’ willingness to endure humiliation and suffering for the sake of our salvation. It reminds us to deeply reflect on the significance of Christ’s sacrifice and the undeserved mockery He endured on our behalf.
Matthew 27:27-31
“Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.”
This harrowing passage describes the brutal mockery and physical abuse Jesus endured at the hands of the Roman soldiers before His crucifixion. It underscores the immense suffering and humiliation Jesus willingly endured for our salvation. As followers of Christ, we should reflect on the depth of His sacrifice and respond with gratitude, love, and a commitment to honor Him in our lives.
Luke 18:32-33
“He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him; they will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.”
Jesus foretells the specific ways He will be mocked, humiliated, and ultimately killed. This prophecy highlights the extent of the physical and emotional pain Jesus willingly endured for our redemption. It also serves as a reminder that His suffering did not have the final say, as He triumphantly rose from the dead. Our faith in Christ is rooted in His victory over sin and death, despite the mockery and persecution He endured.
John 8:48-49
“The Jews answered him, ‘Aren’t we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?’ ‘I am not possessed by a demon,’ said Jesus, ‘but I honor my Father and you dishonor me.’”
Jesus faced constant mockery and false accusations from the religious authorities of His time. In this encounter, the Jews insultingly refer to Jesus as a Samaritan and demon-possessed. His response displays humility and truth, affirming His identity as the Son of God and demonstrating the stark difference between His honor and their dishonor. As believers, let us follow Jesus’ example and faithfully honor God, even in the face of mockery and opposition.
Acts 2:13
“Some, however, made fun of them and said, ‘They have had too much wine.’”
After the Holy Spirit fell upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost, some onlookers mocked them, assuming their boldness and fervor were the result of drunkenness. This verse highlights how the world may misunderstand or ridicule the Holy Spirit’s work in the lives of believers. It serves as a reminder that we should not be discouraged by the mockery of others but continue to boldly live out our faith and trust in the power of the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 4:10-13
“We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored! To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment.”
Paul’s words here resonate with the experience believers may face when mocked and ridiculed for their faith. Despite being treated as fools, weak, and dishonored by the world, Paul and his companions continue to persevere in their faith, responding with love, kindness, and endurance. This passage challenges us to maintain a steadfast commitment to Christ, even in the face of ridicule and persecution, trusting that our ultimate honor comes from God alone.
2 Peter 3:3
“Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.”
Peter warns believers about the coming of scoffers in the last days, who will ridicule and reject the teachings and promises of the gospel. This verse emphasizes the importance of being prepared and discerning, as we navigate a world increasingly hostile to the truths of Christianity. Let us guard our hearts and cling to the truth, firmly rooted in the Word of God, as we face the scoffers of our time.
Jude 1:17-19
“But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, ‘In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.’ These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.”
Jude echoes the warning about the coming of scoffers in the last times, emphasizing that their divisive influence stems from their own ungodly desires and rejection of the Holy Spirit. This passage reminds us of the need to stand firm in our faith and be discerning of those who seek to create division and undermine biblical truth. Let us anchor ourselves in the wisdom of the apostles and rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern and withstand the influence of scoffers.
Revelation 3:9
“I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.”
In this passage, Jesus addresses the church in Philadelphia, assuring them that those who falsely claim to be God’s chosen people will eventually have to acknowledge the truth and reality of Christ’s love for His faithful followers. This verse reminds us that even in the face of mocking and false accusations, God will ultimately vindicate His people and reveal the truth to all. Let us take comfort in knowing that God sees and validates our faithful witness, despite the scorn of the world.