Mocking, in the biblical context, refers to the act of ridiculing, deriding, or making fun of someone, often with the intent to belittle or scorn. Throughout the Scriptures, mocking is depicted as a behavior characteristic of the wicked and those who have hardened their hearts against God and His ways.

Biblical Instances of Mocking:

1. Mocking of the Prophets: The prophets of God often faced ridicule and scorn from those who rejected their messages. In 2 Chronicles 36:16, it is recorded, "But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, until there was no remedy." This passage highlights the persistent and hardened nature of those who mock God's messengers, ultimately leading to divine judgment.

2. Mocking of the Righteous: The righteous, those who strive to live according to God's commandments, are often targets of mockery by the wicked. In Psalm 35:16, David laments, "Like godless jesters at a feast, they gnashed their teeth at me." Here, the psalmist describes the malicious joy and scorn of the wicked towards the righteous.

3. Mocking of Jesus Christ: The ultimate example of mocking in the Bible is seen in the treatment of Jesus Christ during His trial and crucifixion. In Matthew 27:29-31, the soldiers mock Jesus, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" as they place a crown of thorns on His head and strike Him. This act of mockery is a profound demonstration of the hardened hearts of those who reject the truth and authority of Christ.

4. Mocking in the Last Days: The New Testament warns of mockers in the last days. In 2 Peter 3:3-4, it is written, "Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 'Where is the promise of His coming?' they will ask." This passage indicates that mocking will continue to be a sign of rebellion against God, especially as the end times approach.

Characteristics of Mockers:

· Pride and Arrogance: Mockers are often characterized by their pride and arrogance, believing themselves to be above correction or divine authority. Proverbs 21:24 states, "Proud, Arrogant, and Mocker are the names of him who acts with excessive pride."

· Rejection of Wisdom: Those who mock are typically resistant to wisdom and instruction. 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."

· Hardened Hearts: Mockers are often depicted as having hardened hearts, unwilling to repent or turn from their wicked ways. This hardness leads to their eventual downfall, as seen in Proverbs 29:1, "A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery."

Consequences of Mocking:

The Bible consistently warns of the consequences that befall those who engage in mocking. Divine judgment is a recurring theme, as God does not overlook the scorn and derision directed towards His people and His truth. In Isaiah 28:22, the prophet warns, "Now therefore, do not mock, 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."

Mocking, as portrayed in the Scriptures, is a serious offense that reflects a deep-seated rebellion against God. It is a behavior that not only harms those who are mocked but also brings about the eventual ruin of the mockers themselves.Isaiah 28:15,22
Because you have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing whip shall pass through, it shall not come to us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:
Nave's Topical Index

2 Peter 3:3
Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
Nave's Topical Index

The Misery of those Who, Besides Losing the Saints' Rest, Lose the ...
... Scripture speaks of God's laughing and mocking, not literally ... the saints, so Satan
is the comforter of the wicked. ... But if thou be hardened unto death, and there ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vi the misery of.htm

A Penitent Heart, the Best New Year's Gift
... will is changed; then your consciences, nor hardened and benumbed ... repentance is in
vain, you are mocking of God ... though you have been ever so wicked and profligate ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/a penitent heart the best.htm

Acts ii. 14
... that as against men laughing and mocking, he starts ... He will miserably destroy those
wicked husbandmen" (Matthew 21 ... the penitent and the hardened.--The innovator ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily v acts ii 14.htm

On the Words, Crucified and Buried.
... the Jews passing by wagged their heads, mocking the Crucified ... hast heard My voice,
and hast not hardened thine heart ... death; and I will give the wicked for His ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xiii on the words.htm

The Broken Column
... in obedience to his precepts, you have made an ill and wicked choice; at ... You may
become hardened and desperate, and then, ah! ... ye are mocking, painted witcheries ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the broken column.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... unto us a prodigious kind of boldness and hardened fearlessness. ... to the ways of God,
to the people of God ... Nay, hast thou not learned the wicked ones thy ways? ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... are not thy kindred as hardened as thou wast ... of his providence may be dark to his
people, that they ... misery is ended; thy happiness begins, where wicked men's end ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... entreat thee to forbear quirking[2] and mocking, for that ... the oaths themselves, even
from a hardened and desperate ... But, pray, show me now how wicked cursing is ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

According to which principle or hypothesis all the objections ...
... Certainly it were a mocking of men to bid them do so ... our Lord Jesus Christ died for
sinners and wicked men ... them, and God justly suffers them to be hardened, as a ...
/.../proposition vi according to which.htm

Concerning the Ministry.
... Yea, is it not in them a mocking of God and men ... were the soul of the church, it is
vain and wicked. ... as ever from a true reformation, and more hardened in their ...
/.../proposition x concerning the ministry.htm

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Mocking: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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