Justice: The Wicked: Scorn
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In the biblical context, the concept of justice is deeply intertwined with the character of God, who is depicted as the ultimate judge and arbiter of righteousness. The wicked, those who live in opposition to God's laws and principles, are often portrayed as subjects of divine justice. One of the characteristics of the wicked is their tendency to scorn or mock what is holy and righteous.

Scorn Defined

Scorn, in the biblical sense, refers to an attitude of contempt or derision towards God, His commandments, and His people. It is an expression of pride and rebellion, often manifesting in words and actions that belittle or ridicule what is sacred.

Biblical Instances of Scorn

1. Proverbs on Scorn: The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the behavior of the scorner. Proverbs 21:24 states, "Proud, Arrogant, and Mocker are the names of him who acts with excessive pride." This verse highlights the association between scorn and pride, indicating that those who scorn are often driven by an inflated sense of self-importance.

2. The Scorn of the Wicked: Psalm 1:1 warns against the company of scorners: "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 folly of those who scorn, suggesting that scorn is a defining trait of the wicked.

3. Scorn Against Prophets and Messengers: The Old Testament records numerous instances where God's prophets faced scorn from the wicked. For example, in 2 Chronicles 36:16 , it is written, "But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, until there was no remedy." This passage illustrates the severe consequences of scorn, as it leads to divine judgment.

4. Jesus and Scorn: In the New Testament, Jesus Himself was subjected to scorn by the wicked. During His crucifixion, the Gospel of Matthew records, "In the same way, the chief priests, scribes, and elders mocked Him, saying, 'He saved others, but He cannot save Himself! He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him.'" (Matthew 27:41-42). This scorn was a fulfillment of prophecy and a testament to the hardness of heart among those who rejected Him.

Consequences of Scorn

The Bible consistently teaches that scorn leads to destruction. Proverbs 19:29 declares, "Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools." This verse underscores the inevitable justice that awaits those who scorn, as divine retribution is portrayed as certain and unavoidable.

The Call to Avoid Scorn

Believers are admonished to avoid the path of the scorner and to seek wisdom and humility instead. Proverbs 3:34 states, "He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble." This verse serves as a reminder that God's favor rests upon those who reject scorn and embrace humility.

In summary, scorn is a hallmark of the wicked, representing a direct challenge to divine authority and righteousness. The biblical narrative consistently warns of the dire consequences of such an attitude, urging individuals to pursue a life of humility and reverence for God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Proverbs 19:28
An ungodly witness scorns judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Justice.
... any way of God which explanation involves what I should scorn as false ... is the reason
of punishment; this is why justice requires that the wicked shall not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/justice.htm

The Wicked Man's Life, Funeral, and Epitaph
... that we may well look at, when we see justice perverted and ... to carry it out, you
shall have more scorn than if ... now, are there any here who are so wicked as to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the wicked mans life funeral.htm

Unimpeachable Justice
... is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked," conscience says ... may be some
who rail at God's justice; but no ... it out when here, you may scorn the law ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/unimpeachable justice.htm

Ezekiel xiii. 22
... the strengthening of the hands of the wicked, without making ... to Christ, and rejecting
with scorn the enlightening ... truth is an idol, to others justice, to others ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/lecture xx ezekiel xiii 22.htm

Summary of the Second Part of the Foregoing System.
... finally impenitent, his language is that of mockery and scorn. ... may be saved, and
that of justice to those who may choose to remain incorrigibly wicked. ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter ii summary of the.htm

Whether the Judicial Power Corresponds to Voluntary Poverty?
... him the right to judge those who scorn his utterances ... man." Now those who suffer
persecution for justice' sake are ... Job 36:6): "He saveth not the wicked, and He ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the judicial power corresponds.htm

Royal Murderers
... She is wicked and strong ... once, in her abrupt question, not without a spice of scorn;
and note ... must have gone before such outspoken contempt of justice; and, if ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/royal murderers.htm

Jesus Before Pilate.
... not that expression of fixed melancholy, of hard scorn, of sad ... is God's representative
of law, order, and justice to fulfil their own wicked and unjust ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xix jesus before pilate.htm

The Second Book
... be it from us even to say such a, wicked thing ... the blessed David had suffered the
insulting scorn of Nabal ... and shall feel the sword of divine justice already at ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the second book.htm

Jeremy Taylor -- Christ's Advent to Judgment
... for love of thee, and thou didst scorn His miraculous ... what is done amiss; and that
justice may reign entirely, God shall open the wicked man's treasure ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/jeremy taylor christs advent.htm

Resources
What does it mean that God is just? | GotQuestions.org

What is ultimate reconciliation? | GotQuestions.org

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

Justice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Justice

Justice: Apostles

Justice: Brings Its own Reward

Justice: Christ, an Example of

Justice: Commanded

Justice: David

Justice: General Scriptures Concerning

Justice: Gifts Impede

Justice: God: Delights In

Justice: God: Displeased With the Want of

Justice: God: Gives Wisdom to Execute

Justice: God: Requires

Justice: God: Sets the Highest Value On

Justice: Joseph

Justice: Josiah

Justice: Moses

Justice: Promises To

Justice: Saints should Always Do

Justice: Saints should Pray for Wisdom to Execute

Justice: Saints should Receive Instruction In

Justice: Saints should Study the Principles of

Justice: Saints should Take Pleasure in Doing

Justice: Saints should Teach Others to Do

Justice: Samuel

Justice: Solomon

Justice: Specially Required in Rulers

Justice: The Wicked: Abhor

Justice: The Wicked: Afflict Those Who Act With

Justice: The Wicked: Banish

Justice: The Wicked: Call not For

Justice: The Wicked: Pass Over

Justice: The Wicked: Scorn

Justice: To be Done in Buying and Selling

Justice: To be Done in Executing Judgment

Justice: To be Done: To Servants

Justice: To be Done: To the Fatherless and Widows

Justice: To be Done: To the Poor

The Justice of God is a Part of his Character

The Justice of God: Acknowledge

The Justice of God: Declared to be without Respect of Persons

The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Impartial

The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Incomparable

The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Incorruptible

The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Plenteous

The Justice of God: Declared to Be: The Habitation of his Throne

The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Undeviating

The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Unfailing

The Justice of God: Denied by the Ungodly

The Justice of God: Exhibited in all his Ways

The Justice of God: Exhibited in Forgiving Sins

The Justice of God: Exhibited in His Government

The Justice of God: Exhibited in His Judgments

The Justice of God: Exhibited in Redemption

The Justice of God: Exhibited in The Final Judgment

The Justice of God: Magnify

The Justice of God: Not to be Sinned Against

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Pervert (18 Occurrences)

Justly (22 Occurrences)

Judicial (2 Occurrences)

Right (4703 Occurrences)

Judgment (430 Occurrences)

Judging (141 Occurrences)

Executes (11 Occurrences)

Deprive (17 Occurrences)

Judge (297 Occurrences)

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Executed (39 Occurrences)

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Upheld (15 Occurrences)

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Oppressor (28 Occurrences)

Perverted (26 Occurrences)

Loves (97 Occurrences)

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Paths (65 Occurrences)

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Just (1529 Occurrences)

Living (3112 Occurrences)

Latter (91 Occurrences)

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Ignored (6 Occurrences)

Fugitive (12 Occurrences)

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Righteously (22 Occurrences)

Robbed (27 Occurrences)

Establishing (18 Occurrences)

Diadem (9 Occurrences)

Mall (1 Occurrence)

Moderately (1 Occurrence)

Mint (2 Occurrences)

Paralyzed (11 Occurrences)

Practiced (22 Occurrences)

Partial (14 Occurrences)

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Prevails (6 Occurrences)

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Wormwood (10 Occurrences)

Gate (248 Occurrences)

Oppression (67 Occurrences)

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Delighted (56 Occurrences)

Deny (48 Occurrences)

Justice: The Wicked: Pass Over
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