…[in the last days] scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.
Summary: What is so bad about scoffing? Let’s look at what the word means and how people use scoffing.
Scoffing is a word that I do not hear used very often. I cannot remember the last time I heard someone use it in a sentence. It is a shame we do not use it more often. It is a good word.
My online dictionary defines “scoff” this way: “speak to someone or about something in a scornfully derisive or mocking way.”
Now, who does that? Who do you hear speaking in a “scornfully derisive or mocking way?” Does that ever happen these days?
Of course, it does! Scoffing is all around us, almost 24/7. Turn on the news and there is no shortage of examples. People scoff at those who do not agree with them. Peter associates scoffing with “evil desires” for a reason. People who scoff are trying to subdue their opponents with shame and embarrassment.
Ironically, scoffing is a technique that only works in one direction. People who are on the side of love do not scoff at others. Godly people want to build others up, not tear them down. Scoffing is a tool for tearing people down.
Reasoning together is the opposite of scoffing. Our God is loving. Even after Israel had strayed from his ways for centuries, he still reached out and says, “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18, RSV)
Scoffing can be used to intimidate and bully people. Some people, for whatever reason, think that life is a game of “King of the Mountain.” Remember that game? As a kid, if there was a small hill or a stump or bump of any kind, the “king” stood on top and everyone else tried to push him off and take his (or her) place.
Scoffing can also be used as a ploy to disguise evil intent. If someone is hiding something, look for them to scoff at any suggestion that they have something to hide. People who have nothing to hide are open-handed in what they do. They are willing to answer reasonable questions and are generally helpful and loving to be around. People who are harboring “evil desires” do not want to have their evil thoughts brought to light.
When it comes to bad behaviors, scoffing is high on the list. Proverbs equates scoffing with fools when it says, “Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and flogging for the backs of fools.” (Proverbs 19:29) The very first Psalm in the Bible begins with this line:
“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)
If the man who is blessed is not doing these things, what is he doing? “…his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:2)
Application: Avoid scoffing and scoffers. Instead, delight in the Word of God.
Food for Thought: What are some strategies for responding to a scoffer?
One response is to be kind and encouraging. “Kill them with kindness “ so to speak and God may use it to change their hearts. Romans 12: 19 – 21. Mathew 5: 43 – 44. Proverbs 15: 1.
Rich,
When I was a kid my mom always said the same thing! If a person was causing trouble, “Kill them with kindness!”
Thanks for the reminder! 🙂
I like what R said “killing them with kindness.” But also not even being associated with them, “nor sits in the seat of scoffers”.
Something else I’m told to do
Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow.
Amen Mr. T,
Well said! It is okay to be kind to them, but DO NOT sit in their seat!!
That might be something to stand for.
I see you are able to ‘rise’ to the occasion! 🙂
I just couldn’t sit idly by with them
12-11-2021, 2 Peter 3:3b, What are some strategies for responding to a scoffer?
Based on God’s word, we must be very careful with a scoffer. We shouldn’t seek their counsel and we shouldn’t counsel, rebuke, or reprove them because it will only create hatred toward us in them. Simply separate ourselves from the scoffer as they become clearly seen, and allow God to deal with them.
The scoffer never says, Well, I might be wrong here or I was wrong here. The scoffer is always right. There is never a humble openness to change in their views and Proverbs tells us that the scoffer is no more open to reason than a hopelessly drunk person.
Proverbs13:1, Proverbs 20:1
Scoffers show no respect for opposing points of view. They do not simply refute them; they belittle, insult, and mock them. There is always a tone of contempt and disdain for opposing views as well as those who dare to present them.
Proverbs 9:7-8
At the same time, we are called to repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on us, live peaceably with all. Never avenge ourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Romans 12:17-19
Ron,
Thank you! Great meditation!
Ron,
I added links for the verses you included. I especially appreciate the references to Proverbs and mocking. Mocking is very similar to scoffing and the verses are very appropriate.
King Jimmy likes scorner and mocker. All versions of scoffer.
🙂
To some degree, ignore them.
They aren’t speaking wisdom, so you can’t listen to them, nor should you enjoy their praise. It isn’t entirely practical to avoid them completely (sometimes we can feel a bit surrounded), but you shouldn’t seek them out for company.
As repeatedly mentioned, they won’t accept correction of any form. Although, as with everything, we pray for change. Pray for those who persecute you.
So if you ignore their scoffing, how would you treat them? Love, kindness, forgiveness, expressing the joy of the Lord, being a light in their life.
A –
Ignoring the scoffer is good advice. The consensus seems to be that it is not productive to engage with them … they are not going to listen. Prayer is productive, and responding lovingly always reflects well on our Lord.
Thank you!
Thank you Jeff,
I should’ve also added to remain humble… After taking the harder path and recognizing that, it’s super easy to let pride in.