Scoffers

I’m studying the book of Jude for my quiet time. Towards the end, Jude quotes a prophecy made by the apostles. This is what he says:

Jude 1:17-18 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, ‘In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.’ (NIV)

I decided to search the dictionary definition of scoffers and this is what I found. A scoffer is a person who mocks, ridicules, or expresses contempt for the beliefs, values, traditions, or ideas of others. Instead of engaging in constructive discussion, they use sarcasm, jeers, or cynicism to belittle a person or concept.

When I saw that, I couldn’t help but think how that prophecy of the apostles has been fulfilled in the age of social media. No place on the planet is filled with scoffers like the online world, especially social media. I also couldn’t help but notice how some Christians join the world in scoffing. This is not right. Believers are called to a higher standard of fruitful interaction with those who disagree with them (1 Peter 3:15).

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬ ‭ “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (NIV‬‬)

That doesn’t mean that believers cannot be shrewd or firm in their speech. Our LORD Jesus was very shrewd and firm in his speech. He accepted no nonsense while interacting with people with wicked intent (see Matthew 23:13-39). Also, Jesus boldly opposed people who contradicted the Word of God and challenged their faulty reasonings. So a believer can be firm. But please note that Jesus never scoffed. Also understand that the command to be gentle and respectful should be balanced with the warning not to engage with scoffers in pointless arguments (see Proverbs 9:7-8)

I’ve realised that it is easy to scoff. The part in our hearts that defaults to scoffing instead of patience and respect is our pride. The bait of scoffers in our social media age is offence. Being easily offended is the first step to become a scoffer. If you have been wounded by a comment by someone online, the temptation of the flesh is to put them in their place and shame them through ad hominems. To refrain from being a scoffer in our social media space is to choose humility and maturity. That means that God can use your social media to sanctify you as a follower of Jesus Christ.

The Bible also refers to scoffers as mockers. In a summary, scripture terms scoffers/mockers as proud people who reject wisdom, ignore correction, mock God’s promises and cause division or strife through their words.

Warnings about associating with scoffers

Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.

Characteristics of scoffers

Proverbs 1:22 How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?

Proverbs 9:7-8 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.

Proverbs 13:1 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.

Proverbs 14:6 The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

Proverbs 15:12 Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise.

Proverbs 21:24 The proud and arrogant person—‘Mocker’ is his name—behaves with insolent fury.

Proverbs 24:9The schemes of folly are sin, and people detest a mocker.

Consequences and God’s response

Proverbs 3:34 He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.

Proverbs 19:29 Penalties are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.

Proverbs 22:10 Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.

Proverbs 29:8 Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger.

Scoffers in the last days

2 Peter 3:3-4 Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, ‘Where is this “coming” he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.’

Jude 1:17-18 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, ‘In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.’

Comments