Definition and Context
Deriders, in biblical terms, refer to individuals who mock, scorn, or ridicule others, often showing contempt for God, His people, or His commandments. The act of derision is frequently associated with pride, arrogance, and a lack of reverence for the divine. Throughout Scripture, deriders are depicted as those who oppose wisdom and righteousness, often aligning themselves with folly and wickedness.

Biblical References
The Bible contains numerous references to deriders, highlighting their attitudes and the consequences of their actions. In the Old Testament, the book of Proverbs frequently addresses the behavior and fate of mockers. Proverbs 21:24 states, "Proud, Arrogant, and Mocking is his name—he behaves with excessive pride." This verse underscores the connection between derision and pride, suggesting that mockers are characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance.

Psalm 1:1 warns against associating with deriders: "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers." Here, the psalmist emphasizes the importance of avoiding the influence of those who scorn righteousness, as their company can lead one away from a godly life.

In the New Testament, derision is often directed towards Jesus Christ and His followers. During the crucifixion, Jesus faced mockery from the soldiers and onlookers. Matthew 27:29-31 describes how they "twisted together a crown of thorns, set it on His head, and put a staff in His right hand. And they knelt down before Him to mock Him, saying, 'Hail, King of the Jews!'" This passage illustrates the depth of contempt and misunderstanding that deriders held towards the Savior.

Characteristics of Deriders
Deriders are often portrayed as lacking wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 9:7-8 advises, "He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself. Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you." This suggests that mockers are resistant to correction and are often hostile towards those who attempt to guide them towards truth.

The behavior of deriders is also linked to a rejection of divine authority. In 2 Peter 3:3 , the apostle warns, "Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires." This prophecy indicates that derision is a sign of the end times, characterized by a deliberate choice to follow sinful desires rather than submit to God's will.

Consequences of Derision
Scripture consistently warns of the negative consequences that await deriders. Proverbs 3:34 declares, "He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble." This verse reveals that God Himself opposes those who scorn others, while extending grace to those who are humble and contrite.

The fate of deriders is often depicted as one of destruction and shame. Isaiah 28:22 cautions, "Now therefore, do not scoff, or your shackles will be made stronger; for I have heard from the Lord GOD of Hosts a decree of destruction against the whole land." This warning highlights the spiritual bondage and ultimate judgment that befalls those who persist in mockery.

Conclusion
While the Bible acknowledges the presence of deriders throughout history, it also offers hope for transformation. Through repentance and humility, even those who once mocked can find redemption and grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Quibbles of the Numerical Theorists; the Art of the Frontispicists ...
... prudent, indulgent, gentle, over-anxious, persons of secret resolves fitted for
every undertaking, prevailing more by prudence than strength, deriders for the ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter xv quibbles of the numerical.htm

Can it at any Time or Place be Unjust to Love God with all His...
... him whose being on a par with himself he fears, or grieves at, or for the mere pleasure
at another's pain, as spectators of gladiators, or deriders and mockers ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter viii can it at.htm

He Argues against the Same as to the Reason of Offences.
... equal to himself, or whose equality he grieves at; or for the mere pleasure in
another's pains, as the spectators of gladiators, or the deriders and mockers of ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter viii he argues against the.htm

John Chapter i. 15-18
... Wherefore, then, did He not show to his deriders that He was the Son of God; so
that if He allowed Himself to be lifted up upon the cross, at least when they ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate iii john chapter i.htm

The Resurrection
... Indeed, there have been many former unbelievers and deriders who, after they became
believers, so scorned death as even themselves to become martyrs for ...
/.../athanasius/on the incarnation of the word/chapter 5 the resurrection.htm

The Christians are not the Only Contemners of the Gods Contempt of ...
... 629] to a carping insolence. Now only consider what great deriders of your
gods you show yourselves to be! I say nothing of your ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/ad nationes/chapter x name christians are.htm

The Christian Convert Warned Of, and Animated against those ...
... conviction and reformation! At least, let me never be ashamed to plead thy
cause against the most profane deriders of religion! Make me ...
/.../chapter xvi the christian convert.htm

The Care of the Soul Urged as the one Thing Needful
... active, and zealous servants of Christ, in these latter ages, with whom you have
conversed; do you on the whole find, that the rejecters and deriders of the ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the care of the soul.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xi. 5, "Which of You Shall have a ...
... We cannot but exhort you, that ye may have something to say and answer in defence
of your hope against the deriders and blasphemers of the Christian name. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lv on the words.htm

Of Scoffing and Derision.
... These are I confess, the most innocent kind of Deriders in respect of others,
what they say having not edge enough to cause any smart. ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section vii of scoffing and.htm

Deriders (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Deriders (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 15:17 I have
not sat in an assembly of deriders, Nor do I exult, because ...
/d/deriders.htm - 6k

Derided (12 Occurrences)

/d/derided.htm - 9k

Derides (2 Occurrences)

/d/derides.htm - 6k

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