The term "scornest" is an archaic form of the verb "scorn," which means to mock, deride, or show contempt for someone or something. In the context of the Bible, scorn is often associated with attitudes and behaviors that are contrary to the humility and reverence expected of believers. Scorn is depicted as a characteristic of the wicked and foolish, contrasting with the wisdom and righteousness of those who fear the Lord.

Biblical Usage and Context

The concept of scorn is frequently addressed in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, particularly in the Book of Proverbs. Scorners, or mockers, are often grouped with the wicked and the foolish, serving as a warning to those who might be tempted to adopt similar attitudes.

Proverbs 9:7-8 :
"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 this passage, the mocker, or scorner, is portrayed as someone who is resistant to correction and hostile to wisdom. The admonition is to avoid engaging with such individuals in a way that might bring harm or futility to oneself.

Proverbs 21:24 :
"Proud, Arrogant, and Mocker are the names of him who acts with excessive pride."

Here, the scorner is identified with pride and arrogance, traits that are antithetical to the humility that God desires. The scorner's pride leads to a rejection of wisdom and instruction, setting them on a path of folly.

Isaiah 28:14 :
"Therefore hear the word of the LORD, you scoffers who rule this people in Jerusalem."

In the prophetic literature, scorn is often associated with leaders and people who reject God's message and authority. The scoffers in Isaiah are those who dismiss the warnings of the prophets, leading to their eventual downfall.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, scorn is seen as a manifestation of the sinful nature that opposes God's will. It is an attitude that elevates human pride above divine wisdom, leading to spiritual blindness and separation from God. The Bible consistently warns against scornful behavior, urging believers to cultivate humility and a teachable spirit.

Practical Application

For believers, the admonition against scorn serves as a call to self-examination and humility. Christians are encouraged to avoid the company of scorners and to seek wisdom and correction from God and His Word. The New Testament echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of building one another up in love and truth, rather than engaging in mockery or derision.

James 4:6 :
"But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'"

In summary, the biblical treatment of scorn highlights the dangers of pride and the value of humility. It serves as a reminder to seek God's wisdom and to approach others with grace and understanding, avoiding the pitfalls of mockery and contempt.

Herod --A Startled Conscience
... It is mine; I planted and sowed and worked it, and I am ready to reap the fruit.'
'If thou be wise thou shalt be wise for thyself, if thou scornest thou alone ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/heroda startled conscience.htm

Forgiven and Unforgiving
... transgressions against God. 'If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself;
and if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.'. The same ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/forgiven and unforgiving.htm

'They that were Ready'
... 'If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself; and if thou scornest, thou alone
shalt bear it.' 'Every man shall bear his own burden.' There is no possible ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/they that were ready.htm

'See Thou to That!'
... give an account of himself to God,' and as the old Book of Proverbs has it, 'If
thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: and if thou scornest, thou alone ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/see thou to that.htm

Thou Art the Man
... shall be thy very own for ever. 'If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for
thyself, and if thou scornest, thou alone shall bear it.'. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/thou art the man.htm

Christian Morals. Part I.
... But while thou maintainest the plain path, and scornest to flatter others, fall
not into self-adulation, and become not thine own parasite. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/christian morals/christian morals part i.htm

The Joint Heirs and their Divine Portion
... But if thou scorn it, remember, thou scornest the rest of the inheritance,
for they are all one and indivisible in your Father's will. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the joint heirs and their.htm

The Glorious Gospel
... acceptation. Oh, man, thou scornest it. I saw thee curl thy lip in derision.
The story was badly told, and therefore thou didst scorn it. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the glorious gospel.htm

Thoughts on the Last Battle
... The next time thou sittest in the theatre, look up and see that sword: when next
in thy business thou scornest the rules of God's gospel, look at that sword. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/thoughts on the last battle.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

Scornest (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Scornest (3 Occurrences). Job 11:3 Thy devices make men
keep silent, Thou scornest, and none is causing blushing! (YLT). ...
/s/scornest.htm - 7k

Enhanceth (1 Occurrence)
... thou buildest thy vaulted place at the head of every way, and makest thy lofty place
in every street, and hast not been as a harlot, in that thou scornest hire ...
/e/enhanceth.htm - 6k

Eminent (9 Occurrences)
... thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every
street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire; (KJV JPS ...
/e/eminent.htm - 9k

Devices (43 Occurrences)
... Cannot my taste discern mischievous things? (See JPS). Job 11:3 Thy devices make
men keep silent, Thou scornest, and none is causing blushing! (YLT). ...
/d/devices.htm - 18k

Debauchery (9 Occurrences)
... thy high place in every street! And thou hast not been as a harlot, in
that thou scornest reward, (DBY). Ezekiel 16:39 and I will ...
/d/debauchery.htm - 9k

Blushing (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Blushing (6 Occurrences). Job 11:3 Thy devices make men
keep silent, Thou scornest, and none is causing blushing! (YLT). ...
/b/blushing.htm - 8k

Buildest (7 Occurrences)
... thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every
street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire; (KJV JPS ...
/b/buildest.htm - 8k

Scorneth (4 Occurrences)

/s/scorneth.htm - 7k

Scorners (7 Occurrences)

/s/scorners.htm - 8k

Scoff (18 Occurrences)
... go up, bald-head!' (YLT). Job 11:3 Thy devices make men keep silent, Thou scornest,
and none is causing blushing! (See NAS). Job 16:20 My friends scoff at me. ...
/s/scoff.htm - 12k

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