Scoffing, a term often associated with mockery and derision, is a behavior that the Bible addresses with clear disapproval. It is characterized by a dismissive or contemptuous attitude, often directed towards God, His Word, or His people. The act of scoffing is not merely a social faux pas but is depicted in Scripture as a moral failing with spiritual implications.

Biblical References and Context

The Bible frequently mentions scoffers, particularly in the wisdom literature and prophetic books. In the Book of Proverbs, scoffers are portrayed as individuals who reject wisdom and correction. Proverbs 1:22 states, "How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge?" This verse highlights the scoffer's resistance to wisdom and their preference for mockery over understanding.

Proverbs 21:24 further describes the nature of a scoffer: "Proud, Arrogant, and Mocker are his names, he who acts with excessive pride." Here, scoffing is linked with pride and arrogance, suggesting that such behavior stems from an inflated sense of self-importance and a lack of humility.

In the prophetic literature, scoffing is often associated with disbelief and rebellion against God. Isaiah 28:14 warns, "Therefore hear the word of the LORD, you scoffers who rule this people in Jerusalem." The scoffers in this context are leaders who dismiss God's warnings and prophecies, leading the people astray.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament also addresses the issue of scoffing, particularly in the context of the end times. In 2 Peter 3:3-4 , the apostle Peter warns, "Most importantly, 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. 'Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.'" This passage highlights the scoffers' skepticism regarding the return of Christ and their tendency to follow sinful desires.

Spiritual Implications

From a biblical perspective, scoffing is not a trivial matter but a serious spiritual issue. It reflects a heart that is hardened against God and His truth. Scoffers are often resistant to correction and unwilling to acknowledge their need for repentance. Psalm 1:1 contrasts the righteous with the scoffer, stating, "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." This verse implies that association with scoffers can lead one away from the path of righteousness.

Practical Considerations

For believers, the biblical admonition is to avoid the company of scoffers and to guard against a scoffing attitude in their own hearts. Engaging with scoffers requires wisdom and discernment, as 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."

In summary, scoffing is depicted in the Bible as a manifestation of pride and unbelief, with significant spiritual consequences. Believers are called to pursue wisdom, humility, and a reverent attitude towards God and His Word, steering clear of the path of the scoffer.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Scoff.1701. empaigmos -- mockery
... Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: empaigmos Phonetic Spelling:
(emp-aheeg-mos') Short Definition: mockery Definition: mockery, scoffing, scorn. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1701.htm - 6k

1592. ekmukterizo -- to hold up the nose in derision of
... Word Origin from ek and mukterizo Definition to hold up the nose in derision
of NASB Word Usage scoffing (1), sneering (1). deride. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1592.htm - 7k

5607. sepheq -- handclapping, mockery
... 5606, 5607. sepheq or sepheq. 5608 . handclapping, mockery. Transliteration:
sepheq or sepheq Phonetic Spelling: (say'-fek) Short Definition: scoffing. ...
/hebrew/5607.htm - 6k

3933. laag -- a mocking, derision
... Word Origin from laag Definition a mocking, derision NASB Word Usage derision (4),
scoffing (3). ... From la'ag; derision, scoffing -- derision, scorn (-ing). ...
/hebrew/3933.htm - 6k

3944. latson -- a scorning
... Word Origin from lits Definition a scorning NASB Word Usage scoffers* (1), scoffing
(1), scorners* (1). scornfulning. From luwts; derision -- scornful(-ning). ...
/hebrew/3944.htm - 6k

Song 18. Against Scoffing and Calling Names.
... Divine Songs Song 18. Against scoffing and calling names. Against scoffing and calling
names. 8,6,8,6. Our tongues were made to bless the Lord,. ...
/.../watts/divine and moral songs/song 18 against scoffing and.htm

Unbelief of Jews and Scoffing of Greeks. The Former Confounded by ...
... On the Incarnation of the Word. Section 33. Unbelief of Jews and scoffing
of Greeks. The former confounded by their own Scriptures. ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 33 unbelief of jews.htm

Song 18. Against Scoffing and Calling Names.
... Divine Songs For Children. Song 18. Against Scoffing and calling Names.
1 Our tongues were made to bless the Lord, And not speak ...
/.../watts/divine songs for children/song 18 against scoffing and.htm

Of Scoffing and Derision.
... Section VII. Of Scoffing and Derision. There is also another fault of the
Tongue injurious to our neighbor, and that is Derision ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section vii of scoffing and.htm

Introduction
... namely, to such as are wholly ignorant and stupid, or to such as through habitual
debauchery have brought themselves to a custom of mocking and scoffing at all ...
/.../clarke/a discourse concerning the being and attributes of god/introduction.htm

A String of Pearls
... every young man and woman. 'Wine is a mocker.' Intemperance delights in
scoffing at all pure, lofty, sacred things. It is the ally ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a string of pearls.htm

I do not Think it Necessary to Grapple with an Argument Advanced ...
... I do not think it necessary to grapple with an argument advanced not in a serious
but in a scoffing spirit, such as the following: "If the mother of Jesus was ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxxix i do not.htm

Psalm LXXIX.
... not in the sight of men, from whom this reproach was, but "precious [3698] in the
sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." [3699] "A scoffing and derision ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxix.htm

The Resurrection
... It is bound hand and foot, all who are in Christ trample it as they pass and as
witnesses to Him deride it, scoffing and saying, "O Death, where is thy victory ...
/.../athanasius/on the incarnation of the word/chapter 5 the resurrection.htm

The Contents
... Section 5. Of Lying Defamation. Section 6. Of Uncharitable Truth. Section 7. Of
Scoffing and Derision. Section 8. Of Flattery. Section 9. Of Boasting. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/allestree/the government of the tongue/the contents.htm

Scoffing (11 Occurrences)
... n.) of Scoff. Multi-Version Concordance Scoffing (11 Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Job
34:7 What man is like Job, Who drinketh up scoffing like water, (ASV YLT RSV). ...
/s/scoffing.htm - 9k

Taunt (38 Occurrences)
... (See JPS RSV NIV). Psalms 44:13 Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbors, A scoffing
and a derision to them that are round about us. (See JPS RSV). ...
/t/taunt.htm - 18k

Derision (24 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV). Psalms 44:13 You make us a reproach to our neighbors,
a scoffing and a derision to those who are around us. ...
/d/derision.htm - 14k

Neighbors (40 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Psalms 44:13 You make us a reproach to our neighbors, a scoffing and
a derision to those who are around us. (WEB ASV WBS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/n/neighbors.htm - 18k

Reproach (124 Occurrences)
... Psalms 44:13 You make us a reproach to our neighbors, a scoffing and a derision
to those who are around us. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/r/reproach.htm - 37k

Oppressors (31 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Psalms 123:4 Our soul is exceedingly filled With the scoffing of those
that are at ease, And with the contempt of the proud. (See JPS). ...
/o/oppressors.htm - 15k

Jeering (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Jeer. 2. (a.) Mocking; scoffing. 3. (n.) A mocking
utterance. Multi-Version Concordance Jeering (2 Occurrences). ...
/j/jeering.htm - 7k

Jeer (2 Occurrences)
... 3. (v.) To utter sarcastic or scoffing reflections; to speak with mockery or derision;
to use taunting language; to scoff; as, to jeer at a speaker. ...
/j/jeer.htm - 7k

Thoughtlessness (2 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 1:22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? And scoffers
delight them in scoffing, And fools hate knowledge? (See JPS). ...
/t/thoughtlessness.htm - 6k

Thoughtless (17 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Proverbs 1:22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? And
scoffers delight them in scoffing, And fools hate knowledge? (See JPS). ...
/t/thoughtless.htm - 10k

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