In this bible study, we will examine the scriptures to see how we can recognize a scorner, and what are their behaviors.
This bible study will take us mostly through the proverbs but will touch on any other necessary verses. Please feel free to print and share this bible study with your study group or Sunday school.
Note: Hovering over the verse names and numbers will display the full verse.
Recognizing a Scorner
First, let's define scorn. What is scorn? According to Mirriam-Webster.com, it is defined as:
In Proverbs 1:22 we are told that scorners delight in scorning God's knowledge. They seem to enjoy this very thing that God condemns.
Proverbs 9:7 gives the impression that reproving a scornful person will bring their shame upon us. This is a behavior that tells us something. Simply put, a scorner despises the good judgment of the godly that is behind a wise reproof. He not only tries to shame a servant of God for reproof but also tries to shame God for His righteous and holy judgment. Proverbs 9:8 and Proverbs 9:9 go further in saying that not only will a scorner put shame on godly correction, but he will go so far as to actually hate the person doing the correcting. These verses also begin comparing a scorner to a wise man, thus illustrating the utter foolishness of someone who scorns God's wise counsel.
Proverbs 13:1 again compares the scorner to the wise in order to illustrate his foolishness. It is said that he will not hear instruction. This doesn't indicate a deafness or inability on the part of the scorner, but rather a stubborn refusal to be corrected or instructed.
Proverbs 14:6 speaks about the lack of understanding in a scorner. If he seeks understanding, he won't find it, because of his refusal to hear any correction that could lead him to understand wisdom.
Proverbs 15:12 shows us again that there is hatred in the heart of a scornful person towards any who will attempt to overthrow his ungodly worldview by using a loving and godly correction. We're also given the impression in the last half of this verse that a scorner most definitely will not seek out the company of any wise person who may offer a change in his mindset or a differing viewpoint.
Proverbs 19:28 demonstrates that it is judgment that a scorner is seeking to deride. He is labeled an ungodly witness and is likened to the wicked.
Proverbs 24:9 brings to light the wickedness of even the thought of scorning the wisdom of God. Also stated is the fact that a scornful person in abominable to not only God but also his fellow man, due to a scorners tendency to refuse knowledge and correction leading to wisdom. If left unchecked, a scornful person will silence all sources of godly wisdom and knowledge in his vicinity, thus preventing all those around him from hearing the truth of God's word, which leads to salvation, and through that, eternal life.
God's Judgment on Scorners
Proverbs 3:34 gives us the understanding that God's scorn in upon those who scorn his wisdom. This verse also compares a scorner to the lowly, proving once again that scorning is rooted in sinful pride.
Isaiah 29:20 shows us plainly that scorners are consumed and destroyed along with any other wicked person, proving that their sin is no less abhorrent to God.
Proverbs 19:25 shows us that public rebuke is the only way to prevent others from taking up a scornful mindset. Again this verse likens the scornful to a simpleton and compares him to the wise, to illustrate his total and complete foolishness. Proverbs 21:11 goes further along this line of teaching and ties in directly to the New Testament passage of I Timothy 5:20 that makes it clear to rebuke sinners before the whole congregation to prevent their sin from spreading to any who are tempted or who may be too young in their walk to know better.
In Proverbs 22:10 we are instructed to remove an unrepentant scorner from the congregation when it becomes obvious that his entire intent is to cause strife or to bring reproach to the wise and godly members. This ties in neatly with Matthew 18:17 where we are instructed to reject the stubbornly unrepentant from the congregation.
Proverbs 19:25 shows us that public rebuke is the only way to prevent others from taking up a scornful mindset. Again this verse likens the scornful to a simpleton and compares him to the wise, to illustrate his total and complete foolishness. Proverbs 21:11 goes further along this line of teaching and ties in directly to the New Testament passage of I Timothy 5:20 that makes it clear to rebuke sinners before the whole congregation to prevent their sin from spreading to any who are tempted or who may be too young in their walk to know better.
In Proverbs 22:10 we are instructed to remove an unrepentant scorner from the congregation when it becomes obvious that his entire intent is to cause strife or to bring reproach to the wise and godly members. This ties in neatly with Matthew 18:17 where we are instructed to reject the stubbornly unrepentant from the congregation.
Study Discussion Topics
- In light of Proverbs 9:7-9, should we rebuke a scorner? Why or why not?
- In Proverbs 13:1, a son who hears rebuke is described as wise. In what ways can we seek to be more like the wise son and hear our Father's correction?
- In Proverbs 3:34, God is said to give grace to the lowly. What are some of the differences between a scorner and those considered lowly?
- In Proverbs 15:12, what does it mean to you when it says, "neither will he go unto the wise"?
- In Proverbs 21:11, a scorner must be punished to learn, but a wise man only requires what? Why?
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"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:" Hebrews 10:24
