In the context of the Bible, "sneers" refer to expressions of scorn, contempt, or derision, often directed towards individuals or divine principles. The act of sneering is typically associated with pride, arrogance, and a lack of reverence for God and His commandments. Throughout Scripture, sneering is depicted as a behavior characteristic of the wicked and foolish, contrasting with the humility and wisdom that God desires from His people.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament frequently addresses the attitude of sneering, particularly in the wisdom literature. In the book of Proverbs, sneering is associated with the scornful and the mockers. Proverbs 21:24 states, "Proud, Arrogant, and Mocker are the names of him who acts with excessive pride." This verse highlights the connection between sneering and pride, suggesting that those who mock others are often driven by an inflated sense of self-importance.

The Psalms also reflect on the behavior of those who sneer at the righteous. Psalm 1:1 warns against the company of mockers: "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 deride and scorn, as their ways are contrary to the path of righteousness.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, sneering is often directed towards Jesus and His teachings. The Gospels record instances where the religious leaders and others sneered at Jesus, questioning His authority and mocking His claims. In Luke 16:14 , the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, are described as sneering at Jesus after He taught about the dangers of wealth: "The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all of this and were scoffing at Him."

The act of sneering is also evident during the crucifixion of Jesus. In Luke 23:35 , the rulers sneer at Him, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One." This moment underscores the depth of their unbelief and the hardness of their hearts, as they mock the very One who came to save them.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, sneering is indicative of a heart that is resistant to God's truth and authority. It reflects a spirit of rebellion and a refusal to acknowledge one's need for divine grace and guidance. The Bible consistently portrays sneering as a behavior that leads to spiritual downfall, as it is rooted in pride and a rejection of wisdom.

The Scriptures call believers to adopt an attitude of humility and reverence, avoiding the path of the mocker. James 4:6 reminds us, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" In contrast to the sneerers, those who humble themselves before God receive His grace and are guided by His wisdom.

Practical Application

For Christians today, the biblical teaching on sneering serves as a caution against adopting attitudes of scorn and derision, whether towards others or towards God's Word. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing their own need for grace and extending compassion and understanding to others. By doing so, they reflect the character of Christ and bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Celsus, Moreover, Sneers at the "Hatred" of Esau to Which...
... Chapter XLVI. Celsus, moreover, sneers at the "hatred" of Esau to which?
Celsus, moreover, sneers at the "hatred" of Esau (to ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xlvi celsus moreover sneers.htm

Prayer.
... All sneers, whether at the failure of missionary labours, or at the small results
in return for the vast sums spent on missions"all such sneers, I say ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon iv prayer.htm

Following "Whithersoever"
... when his cause is unpopular? when for praise we have reproaches? when for smiles
we have sneers? Then comes the test whether we will follow him all the way. ...
/.../naylor/heart talks/talk thirty-two following whithersoever.htm

Soul-Healing First: Body-Healing Second
... So the sneers that we often hear about Christian 'philanthropists taking tracts
to people when they want soup,' and the like, are excessively shallow sneers ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture b/soul-healing first body-healing second.htm

Review
... Vice-Principal of Lampeter College. Disprove he cannot; so he sneers and
rails and blusters instead. Prophecy, he calls "omniscience ...
//christianbookshelf.org/burgon/inspiration and interpretation/review.htm

Felicitous Phrases
... ghastly, hateful, and ugly. gibes, sneers, and anger. gifts, graces, and
accomplishments. ... laughter, ridicule, and sneers. lead, attack, and conquer. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section iii felicitous phrases.htm

Following Christ
... There will be, with some of you, the jeers and sneers of those you work with. They
will call you ill names. Perhaps they have began it already. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/following christ.htm

Are You Mocked?
... than another, especially when I preach the gospel"you are all alike to me, one as
the other"but this I will say, that of all jests and all sneers that is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/are you mocked.htm

Address in Lambeth Chapel, at the First Session of the Lambeth ...
... Division has multiplied division until infidelity sneers at Christianity as an effete
superstition, and the modern Sadducee, more bold than his Jewish brother ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whipple/five sermons/iv address in lambeth chapel.htm

The Sibylline Oracles.
... So common, indeed, had the forging of these poems become in early Christian times,
that Celsus [323] sneers at Christian writers as Sibollistai, sibyl-mongers ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm

Sneers (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sneers (1 Occurrence). ... He is haughty, and your laws are
far from his sight. As for all his adversaries, he sneers at them. (WEB NIV). ...
/s/sneers.htm - 6k

Sneer (3 Occurrences)
... fulsome lies at a person. 5. (vt) To treat with sneers; to affect or move
by sneers. 6. (n.) The act of sneering. 7. (n.) A smile ...
/s/sneer.htm - 7k

Prosperous (26 Occurrences)
... Psalms 10:5 His ways are prosperous at all times. He is haughty, and your laws are
far from his sight. As for all his adversaries, he sneers at them. (WEB NIV). ...
/p/prosperous.htm - 14k

Sneering (2 Occurrences)

/s/sneering.htm - 7k

Sneeze

/s/sneeze.htm - 7k

Snorts (2 Occurrences)
... Psalms 10:5 His ways are prosperous at all times. He is haughty, and your laws are
far from his sight. As for all his adversaries, he sneers at them. (See NAS). ...
/s/snorts.htm - 6k

Haughty (35 Occurrences)
... Psalms 10:5 His ways are prosperous at all times. He is haughty, and your laws are
far from his sight. As for all his adversaries, he sneers at them. (WEB NIV). ...
/h/haughty.htm - 16k

Foes (95 Occurrences)
... Psalms 10:5 His ways are prosperous at all times. He is haughty, and your laws are
far from his sight. As for all his adversaries, he sneers at them. (See RSV). ...
/f/foes.htm - 30k

Adversaries (93 Occurrences)
... times. He is haughty, and your laws are far from his sight. As for all his
adversaries, he sneers at them. (WEB JPS ASV DBY YLT NAS). ...
/a/adversaries.htm - 34k

Prosper (91 Occurrences)
... He is haughty, and your laws are far from his sight. As for all his adversaries,
he sneers at them. (Root in WEB JPS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/p/prosper.htm - 35k

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