"The Scoffer"

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,  nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;   (Psalm 1:1 ESV)

The scoffer has made up his mind.   He has sat down - is utterly confirmed in irreverence, and makes a mock at sin.  His conscience is seared.   The seat of the  scorner may be very lofty, but  the Bible says it is very near the gate of hell.  Blessed is the man who does not sit down in his seat.

We see a progression in Psalm 1:1.    When men are living in sin they go from bad to worse.  At first they merely walk in the counsel of the careless and ungodly, those who are not wicked or immoral, but who just forget God - the evil is more practical than habitual - but after that, they become habituated to evil, and they stand in the way of open sinners who willingly violate God’s commandments;  if let alone they go one step farther, and become themselves teachers and tempters of others and sit in the seat of the scornful

Do you know any scoffers?  Probably you do.  They are often found not outside but inside the church. If you’ve had to deal with one recently you are probaly still recovering from the experience.   Proverbs gives us some ways to spot them, so we can avoid them, or at least recogize them and know who we are dealing with.  

Proverbs 9:7  Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.

Proverbs 9:8  Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.

Proverbs 13:1  A wise son hears his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

Proverbs 14:6  A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.

Proverbs 15:12  A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.

Proverbs 19:25  Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

Proverbs 21:11  When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.

Proverbs 21:24  “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.

Proverbs 22:10   Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease.

Proverbs 24:9   The devising  (scheming) of folly is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind

These verses are pretty much self explanatory.  You correct a scoffer you will reap abuse, he will hate you, he will not listen.  But he is not to be ignored.  When you deal with scoffers they will not learn anything, but the simple will learn wisdom.  When you cast out the scoffer you have cast out quarreling and abuse. Quarreling and dissension in the Church will usually have a scoffer behind it somewhere.  They will be the one with a big smile on their face.  Scoffers love to quarrel.  But God  is very clear how he feels about such people.  Scoffers are an abomination to mankind.  Very strong language from Solomon.  They will be wise in their own eyes so be prepared.  They will have, in their minds, great reasons for all their actions.  But mark these character traits carefully in Proverbs.  By their fruit you will known them.   We need to take heed to David’s advice in Psalm 1.  

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.  (Psalm 1:1-2 ESV)