How can we ensure we are not "scoffers" as described in Isaiah 28:14? Setting of Isaiah 28:14 “Therefore hear the word of the LORD, you scoffers, who rule this people in Jerusalem”. • Isaiah confronts leaders who mocked God’s warnings and trusted human alliances rather than the Lord. • The passage highlights a spiritual attitude—disregarding divine truth while feeling secure in human schemes. Traits Scripture Links to Scoffing • Pride that resists correction (Proverbs 21:24). • Mockery of prophetic warning (2 Chronicles 36:16). • Willful unbelief of God’s judgment (2 Peter 3:3–4). • Influence that leads others astray (Isaiah 28:14’s “who rule this people”). Heart Safeguards • Fear of the Lord: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). • Humility before Scripture: “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word” (Isaiah 66:2). • Quick repentance: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15). • Love of truth: “Buy the truth and do not sell it” (Proverbs 23:23). Daily Practices That Counter Scoffing • Consistent, submissive Bible intake – Read, memorize, and meditate, then obey (James 1:22). • Prayerful self-examination – Invite the Spirit to reveal hidden pride (Psalm 139:23-24). • Gospel-centered fellowship – Encourage and exhort one another so no one is deceived by sin (Hebrews 3:13). • Accountable leadership – Welcome godly counsel; reject echo chambers (Proverbs 15:22). • Active trust in Christ the Cornerstone – “Behold, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone… he who believes will not be in a hurry” (Isaiah 28:16). Fruit That Replaces Scoffing • Teachability (Proverbs 12:1) • Peaceable spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) • Eager obedience (John 14:15) • Courage to stand for truth without ridicule (2 Timothy 1:7) Promise for Listeners “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers” (Psalm 1:1). Obedience yields stability, delight, and fruitfulness, securing the soul against the ruin that overtakes scoffers (Proverbs 19:29). |
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