What Is A Mocker In The Bible? A Comprehensive Look
The bible often refers to “mockers” and “scoffers”, causing confusion about who they are and what their presence means. If you’re looking for a quick answer: Mockers in the bible are people who scorn, ridicule, and deride matters of faith and godly principles.
They belittle and make fun of righteous teachings and standards.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about mockers in the bible. We’ll look at their characteristics, examine bible verses about them, understand why they mock, and unpack the significance of their presence.
Defining Mockers in the Bible
Literal Meaning
The original Hebrew word translated as “mocker” in the Bible is les, which means “scoffer” or “scorner.” A mocker is someone who treats something or someone with contempt or ridicule. They belittle and deride others, showing disrespect and scorn.
Mockers take pleasure in making fun of things they deem foolish or unimportant.
In the book of Proverbs, mockers are depicted as brash, headstrong individuals who spurn correction and despise wisdom (Proverbs 9:7-8). They are often contrasted with the wise, highlighting their disdain for prudence and discipline (Proverbs 14:6).
Their actions stem from a prideful heart that rejects authority (Proverbs 21:24).
Characteristics and Behaviors
The Bible outlines several distinguishing traits of mockers:
- They lack understanding and delight in doing wrong (Proverbs 10:23).
- They stir up dissension and enmity (Proverbs 22:10).
- They refuse to accept reprimand or rebuke (Proverbs 9:7-8).
- They despise those who walk uprightly (Proverbs 29:8).
Mockers engage in the following behaviors:
- Mocking and scorning others (2 Peter 3:3)
- Enticing and deceiving the naive (Proverbs 14:15)
- Inciting quarreling and fights (Proverbs 22:10)
- Spouting folly and vanity (Proverbs 14:6)
The book of Jude calls mockers “worldly people, who cause divisions” (Jude 1:18-19). They follow their own ungodly desires and pervert God’s grace into sensuality.
Key Verses About Mockers in the Bible
Proverbs 9:7-8
Proverbs 9:7-8 says, “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.” This passage gives a warning about engaging with mockers.
If you try to correct or rebuke a mocker, you will only receive insults and abuse in return. It is better not to even try reasoning with them. The wise, however, will accept correction and grow from it.
2 Peter 3:3-4
2 Peter 3:3-4 states, “Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” Peter warns that in the end times there will be mockers who scoff at the promise of Christ’s return.
They will use flawed worldly logic and fulfill their own sinful desires. Their destructive arguments should not shake the faith of believers.
Psalms 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 first verse of Psalm 1 contrasts the blessing received by the righteous who avoid the path of sinners and mockers.
The mockers here are probably those who deride faith in God and tempt the followers of God to leave His way. Staying away from their influence leads to prosperity.
Proverbs 14:6
Proverbs 14:6 declares, “The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.” This proverb distinguishes between the mocker and the discerning person. The mocker looks for wisdom but never attains it.
In contrast, the discerning person, who humbly walks in wisdom, keeps gaining knowledge. The mocker’s proud and scornful heart blinds him to truth.
Why Do Mockers Mock?
Rejection of God’s Truth
One of the main reasons mockers mock is because they reject God’s truth. The Bible says that mockers are those who follow their own ungodly desires and scoff at biblical truth (Jude 1:18). They refuse to submit to God’s authority and actively oppose those who follow Christ.
Their mocking stems from a rebellious and prideful heart that rejects God’s ways.
Mockers see biblical truth as foolishness and find opportunities to ridicule those who believe in Christ (Proverbs 14:9). Rather than thoughtfully considering God’s words, they dismiss them out of hand and even take pleasure in heaping scorn on believers.
Sadly, their rejection of truth keeps them from experiencing God’s grace and salvation.
Arrogance and Pride
Another driving force behind the mocker’s actions is arrogance and pride. Mockers think they know better than God and show disdain for biblical wisdom and standards. They elevate their own ideas above God’s truth and have no interest in submitting to a higher authority.
Their pride causes them to act as if they are above being instructed or corrected. They belittle biblical truths and principles and act as if believers are gullible simpletons for trusting in God’s word.
Rather than exhibiting humility, they arrogantly assert their own opinions and worldly philosophies.
The book of Proverbs gives this stern warning: “Mockers stir up trouble, but wise people calm anger down” (Proverbs 29:8). Their proud mocking words reveal a heart condition in need of God’s grace.
Evil Company
Peer pressure can also influence mockers to ridicule biblical truth. The company we keep impacts us, and mockers often learn to scoff from their association with other arrogant unbelievers. Their insolent words entertain their friends, so the mocking continues in a vicious cycle.
The Bible tells us: “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” (Psalm 1:1). Guarding our friendships is crucial to avoid being swayed to ungodly behavior.
The Significance of Mockers in Scripture
A Sign of the End Times
The Bible warns believers that mockers will come in the last days, scoffing at God’s promises and downplaying the concept of Christ’s return (2 Peter 3:3-4). These cynical unbelievers walk according to their own desires and arrogantly question Jesus’s promise to come back.
Their presence signifies the End Times approaching.
For example, a 2022 survey shows 39% of Americans denying Jesus’s second coming, up 5% from 2021. This rising doubt and dismissal of core biblical doctrines suggest these truly are the last days and Jesus’s return is drawing near.
A Warning Against Folly
Mockers in scripture also serve as a warning and reminder for believers not to live foolishly. The book of Proverbs often depicts mockers as simpletons who hate knowledge and bring harm (Proverbs 1:22, 9:7-8, 14:9).
Their closed minds and reckless living represent what not to become as a follower of God.
King Solomon frequently warns his readers to avoid the company of mockers, whose prating fuels quarrels and leads the naive astray (Proverbs 20:1, 22:10). Mockery breeds foolishness and keeping away from such men protects wisdom.
Conclusion
In summary, mockers in the bible are scornful people who deride righteousness and godly principles. Key verses reveal their behaviors and the peril they face. Mocking stems from rejecting truth, pride, and evil associations.
Most importantly, the presence of mockers signifies the end times and the fate awaiting those who scorn holy things.
