Fools: Make a Mock at Sin
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In the biblical context, the term "fool" often denotes a person who lacks wisdom, discernment, and reverence for God. The Bible frequently contrasts the behavior and fate of fools with that of the wise, emphasizing the moral and spiritual deficiencies of the former. One of the defining characteristics of a fool, according to Scripture, is their tendency to make a mockery of sin.

The phrase "Fools make a mock at sin" is derived from Proverbs 14:9, which in the Berean Standard Bible reads: "Fools mock the guilt offering, but among the upright, there is favor." This verse highlights the fool's dismissive attitude towards sin and its consequences. By mocking the guilt offering, fools demonstrate a lack of understanding and respect for the sacrificial system established by God, which was intended to atone for sin and restore the sinner's relationship with Him.

Throughout the Bible, fools are depicted as those who not only engage in sinful behavior but also trivialize its seriousness. In Proverbs 10:23 , it is stated, "The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom." This verse underscores the fool's perverse enjoyment in actions that are morally and spiritually degrading, contrasting sharply with the wise, who seek understanding and righteousness.

The mockery of sin by fools is further illustrated in their rejection of divine wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 declares, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." This rejection of wisdom is a hallmark of foolishness, as it leads to a life devoid of the guidance and correction necessary for righteous living.

The consequences of making a mock at sin are severe, as outlined in various biblical passages. Proverbs 19:29 warns, "Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools." This verse serves as a sobering reminder that those who scorn sin and its repercussions will ultimately face divine judgment and discipline.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul echoes the Old Testament's warnings against foolishness and the trivialization of sin. In Galatians 6:7 , he writes, "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return." This principle reinforces the idea that mocking sin is not only an affront to God's holiness but also a path that leads to inevitable consequences.

The biblical portrayal of fools as those who make a mock at sin serves as a cautionary message to believers. It underscores the importance of taking sin seriously, seeking wisdom, and living in accordance with God's commandments. By doing so, individuals align themselves with the upright, who find favor in the eyes of the Lord.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Proverbs 14:9
Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favor.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sin the Mocker
... THE PROVERBS SIN THE MOCKER. 'Fools make a mock at sin; but among the
righteous there is favour.'"Proverbs 14, 9. The wisdom of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/sin the mocker.htm

A Caution to Stir up to Watch against Sin
... Fools make a mock at SIN, will not believe, It carries such a dagger in its sleeve;
How can it be (say they) that such a thing, So full of sweet, should ever ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a caution to stir up.htm

A Startling Statement
... There are very many passages of Scripture which ought to be read in connection with
this text; as for example, "Fools make a mock at sin" (Proverbs 14:9), for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/a startling statement.htm

Of Lying Defamation.
... or advance himself by it: and thought it pass among some for a specimen of Wit,
yet it really lifts them among Solomon's fools who make a mock at sin, Prov.14.9 ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section v of lying defamation.htm

The Intercession of Christ
... Fools make mock of sin (Proverbs 14:9) . But they will not think lightly of it,
who duly consider the majesty, authority, and goodness of Him, against whom it ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xlvii the intercession of.htm

Man.
... Fools make a mock at sin, will not believe It carries such a dagger in
its sleeve. How can it be, say they, that such a thing, So ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/iv man.htm

A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized.
... [38] Fools make a mock at sin. The scorner occupies a proud, an elevated seat, which
will sink under him, and crush him down to everlasting destruction. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a book for boys and.htm

Labors in a New Field
... During my discourse, I said, "Fools make a mock at sin, but who is it that mocks
God?" "No fools, no tun. You know that too," cried one of the men. ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xi labors in a.htm

The Clean and the Unclean
... Fools make a mock of sin. You laugh at it now; you do not understand what
a fire it is that you have kindled to consume your soul! Oh! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the clean and the unclean.htm

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... Oh, awake to a sense of sin's sinfulness and danger! Remember the words of Solomon:
"Fools," none but fools, "make a mock at sin" (Prov.14:9). ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm

Resources
How is the fear of the Lord the beginning of wisdom? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about inequality? | GotQuestions.org

How can I tap into the wisdom of God? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Fools

Fools: All Men Are, Without the Knowledge of God

Fools: Are: A Grief to Parents

Fools: Are: Angry

Fools: Are: Contentious

Fools: Are: Corrupt and Abominable

Fools: Are: Full of Words

Fools: Are: Given to Meddling

Fools: Are: Liars

Fools: Are: Mere Professors of Religion

Fools: Are: Self-Confident

Fools: Are: Self-Deceivers

Fools: Are: Self-Sufficient

Fools: Are: Slanderers

Fools: Are: Slothful

Fools: Avoid Them

Fools: Blaspheme God

Fools: Cling to Their Folly

Fools: Come to Shame

Fools: Delight not in Understanding

Fools: Deny God

Fools: Depend Upon Their Wealth

Fools: Despise Instruction

Fools: Destroy Themselves by Their Speech

Fools: Exhorted to Seek Wisdom

Fools: God Has No Pleasure In

Fools: Hate Knowledge

Fools: Hate to Depart from Evil

Fools: Hear the Gospel and Obey It Not

Fools: Honor is Unbecoming For

Fools: Israel

Fools: Lips of, a Snare to the Soul

Fools: Make a Mock at Sin

Fools: Pharisees

Fools: Punishment of

Fools: Rehoboam

Fools: Reproach God

Fools: Shall not Stand in the Presence of God

Fools: Sport Themselves in Mischief

Fools: The Company of, Ruinous

Fools: The Mouth of, Pours out Folly

Fools: Trust to Their own Hearts

Fools: Walk in Darkness

Fools: Worship Idols

Fools: Worship of, Hateful to God

Related Terms

Vexation (36 Occurrences)

Fools (53 Occurrences)

Understanding's (1 Occurrence)

Grief (252 Occurrences)

Grieve (29 Occurrences)

Weighty (7 Occurrences)

Invites (7 Occurrences)

Mouth (534 Occurrences)

Beatings (5 Occurrences)

Conceals (8 Occurrences)

Contention (24 Occurrences)

Concealeth (7 Occurrences)

Cares (28 Occurrences)

Stripes (19 Occurrences)

Strokes (8 Occurrences)

Provocation (20 Occurrences)

Beating (31 Occurrences)

Presently (25 Occurrences)

Protect (32 Occurrences)

Heavier (13 Occurrences)

Calls (62 Occurrences)

Covereth (61 Occurrences)

Strife (71 Occurrences)

Sand (40 Occurrences)

Snare (69 Occurrences)

Ruin (135 Occurrences)

Speech (107 Occurrences)

Brings (155 Occurrences)

Foot (193 Occurrences)

Hand (14438 Occurrences)

Burden (111 Occurrences)

Rod (138 Occurrences)

Dream (82 Occurrences)

Heavy (110 Occurrences)

Ass (95 Occurrences)

Fools: Lips of, a Snare to the Soul
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