Definition and Meaning:
The term "scoffs" refers to expressions of mockery, derision, or contempt. In the biblical context, scoffing is often associated with those who reject or ridicule the teachings and truths of God. Scoffers are typically characterized by their disdain for wisdom and their resistance to divine instruction.

Biblical References:
Scoffing is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible, highlighting the attitude and consequences of those who engage in such behavior.

1. Proverbs 1:22 : "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 illustrates the connection between scoffing and a rejection of wisdom and knowledge. Scoffers are depicted as individuals who take pleasure in their mockery and are resistant to learning and growth.

2. Psalm 1:1 : "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 contrasts the blessedness of the righteous with the company of scoffers. The verse warns against associating with those who mock, as their influence can lead one away from righteousness.

3. 2 Peter 3:3 : "Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires." This passage predicts the rise of scoffers in the end times, emphasizing their alignment with sinful desires and their opposition to the truth of God's promises.

4. Proverbs 21:24 : "Proud, Arrogant, and Mocking is his name—he behaves with excessive pride." This proverb links scoffing with pride and arrogance, suggesting that such behavior stems from an inflated sense of self-importance and a lack of humility before God.

Characteristics of Scoffers:
Scoffers are often portrayed as individuals who:

· Reject divine wisdom and instruction.
· Delight in mocking and ridiculing others, particularly those who follow God's ways.
· Exhibit pride and arrogance, often placing their own understanding above God's truth.
· Are resistant to correction and reproof, preferring to follow their own desires.

Consequences of Scoffing:
The Bible warns of the negative outcomes associated with scoffing. Scoffers are often depicted as being on a path that leads to destruction and judgment. Their refusal to heed wisdom and their persistent mockery of divine truths ultimately result in their downfall.

1. Proverbs 19:29 : "Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools." This verse underscores the certainty of judgment for those who scoff, indicating that their actions will not go unpunished.

2. Proverbs 3:34 : "He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble." Here, the reciprocal nature of scoffing is highlighted—God Himself will mock those who mock, while extending grace to those who are humble.

Practical Implications for Believers:
Believers are encouraged to avoid the company and influence of scoffers, as their attitudes and behaviors are contrary to the pursuit of godliness. Instead, Christians are called to seek wisdom, embrace humility, and remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of mockery and derision from the world.3932. laag -- to mock, deride, stammer
... root Definition to mock, deride, stammer NASB Word Usage laugh (1), mock (3), mocked
(5), mocks (4), scoff (2), scoffs (1), sneer (1), stammering (1). ...
/hebrew/3932.htm - 6k

3917b. lits -- to scorn
... 1), deride (1), envoys (1), interpreter (1), makes a mockery (1), mediator (1),
mock (1), mocker (1), scoff (1), scoffer (10), scoffers (5), scoffs at the ...
/hebrew/3917b.htm - 5k

An Exhortation to the People of God not to be Discouraged in their ...
... An Exhortation to the People of God Not to Be Discouraged in Their Way, by
the Scoffs and Contempt of Wicked Men. Hebrews 4:9 " "There ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/an exhortation to the people.htm

Table of Contents
... [56]56. An Exhortation to the People of God Not to Be Discouraged in Their
Way, by the Scoffs and Contempt of Wicked Men. [57]57. ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/table of contents.htm

Three Tests of Love
... III. How Much We Endure. Christ proved his love by enduring the scoffs and
ill-treatment of the people and the shame and suffering of the cross. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk fifty-three three tests of.htm

The Judgment of Drunkards and Mockers
... Verses 9 and 10 are generally taken as a sarcastic quotation of the drunkards'
scoffs at the prophet. They might be put in inverted commas. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the judgment of drunkards and.htm

Selected Sermons of George Whitefield
... Persecution Every Christian's Lot. An Exhortation to the People of God Not to Be
Discouraged in Their Way, by the Scoffs and Contempt of Wicked Men. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/

Introduction
... God and Saviour, to enter into that "better country," where they are no more exposed
to the trials of time, no more exposed to the scoffs and persecutions of ...
/.../penn/a sermon preached at the quakers meeting house/introduction.htm

Job --Groping
... It was to silence the scoffs and sneers of Satan: it was to produce a shining example
of submission and resignation, and trust in God, that would stand out to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/vii jobgroping.htm

The Blessing of God on Filial Piety.
... believed them not.". There is a certain grade of depravity which scoffs at
warnings and laughs at the shakings of God's spear! When this ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiii the blessing of.htm

The City of God
... "Immortal Paganism, art thou dead? So they say. But Pan scoffs under his breath,
and the Chimaera laughs." [1]. [Footnote 1: Sainte-Beuve.]. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii the city of god.htm

"But Jesus Sent Him Away" (Luke 8:00 38)
... for them. We must be the object of their criticism, of their scoffs, of
their mockings, and all this apart from the Master. But ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk forty-seven but jesus sent.htm

Scoffs (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Scoffs (5 Occurrences). ... Proverbs 29:9 If a wise man goes
to court with a foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace. ...
/s/scoffs.htm - 7k

Scoffing (11 Occurrences)

/s/scoffing.htm - 9k

Jeer (2 Occurrences)
... at a speaker. 4. (vt) To treat with scoffs or derision; to address with
jeers; to taunt; to flout; to mock at. 5. (n.) A railing ...
/j/jeer.htm - 7k

Laughs (9 Occurrences)
... clothing. She laughs at the time to come. (WEB RSV). Habakkuk 1:10 Yes,
he scoffs at kings, and princes are a derision to him. He ...
/l/laughs.htm - 8k

Rages (5 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Proverbs 29:9 If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man,
the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). ...
/r/rages.htm - 10k

Railer (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who rails; one who scoffs, insults, censures,
or reproaches with opprobrious language. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ...
/r/railer.htm - 8k

Ramp (9 Occurrences)
... any strength to stand. (See NAS NIV). Habakkuk 1:10 Yes, he scoffs at kings,
and princes are a derision to him. He laughs at every ...
/r/ramp.htm - 10k

Ramps (8 Occurrences)
... any strength to stand. (See NIV). Habakkuk 1:10 Yes, he scoffs at kings, and
princes are a derision to him. He laughs at every stronghold ...
/r/ramps.htm - 8k

Rubble (17 Occurrences)
... places of a forest. (WEB NIV). Habakkuk 1:10 Yes, he scoffs at kings, and
princes are a derision to him. He laughs at every stronghold ...
/r/rubble.htm - 12k

Builds (18 Occurrences)
... Yahweh is his name. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Habakkuk 1:10 Yes, he scoffs at kings,
and princes are a derision to him. He laughs at every ...
/b/builds.htm - 11k

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