The "scoffer" appears throughout Proverbs as one of wisdom literature's most prominent character types. Understanding the biblical definition of a scoffer is essential for navigating relationships, pursuing wisdom, and responding appropriately to those who reject God's truth.
Table of Contents
Hebrew Meaning and Definition
Hebrew Word Study
לֵץ (lets)
Pronunciation: lates
Meaning: scoffer, mocker, scorner
Usage: Appears approximately 27 times in Proverbs
The Hebrew word lets (לֵץ) carries the sense of one who mocks, scorns, or treats sacred things with contempt. This term describes not merely someone who makes fun of others, but a person whose fundamental posture toward wisdom, correction, and God is one of arrogant rejection.
"A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, nor will he go to the wise."
— Proverbs 15:12 (NKJV)
Key Aspects of the Definition
The biblical scoffer is characterized by several defining features:
- Arrogant pride: The scoffer operates from a position of assumed superiority
- Rejection of authority: They refuse submission to God, parents, teachers, or any corrective voice
- Contempt for wisdom: They actively despise knowledge and understanding
- Mocking demeanor: They ridicule what is good and true
Seven Characteristics of a Scoffer
1. Rejects Correction
"Rebuke a scoffer, and he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you" (Proverbs 9:8). The scoffer's defining characteristic is hostility toward anyone who attempts to correct or instruct them. They view correction as an attack rather than an opportunity for growth.
2. Brings Strife and Conflict
"A scoffer stirs up strife in a city" (Proverbs 29:8). Scoffers are catalysts for division. Their mocking attitude and contemptuous speech create conflict wherever they go, disrupting peace and unity in communities and families.
3. Is an Abomination to Others
"Scoffers are an abomination to men" (Proverbs 24:9). The word "abomination" indicates something detestable or loathsome. The scoffer's behavior is so offensive that it repels others, making genuine relationship nearly impossible.
4. Does Not Seek the Wise
"A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, nor will he go to the wise" (Proverbs 15:12). The scoffer avoids wise counsel and godly instruction. They prefer the company of those who affirm their pride rather than challenge their folly.
5. Is Proud and Arrogant
"Proud and haughty mocker is his name, who acts with arrogant pride" (Proverbs 21:24). Pride is the root sin of the scoffer. Their mocking flows from an inflated view of themselves and a diminished view of everyone else, including God.
6. Leads Others Astray
"Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand all... Scoffers set a city aflame" (Proverbs 29:8, paraphrased). Scoffers influence others negatively, spreading cynicism, doubt, and rebellion throughout their sphere of influence.
7. Will Face Judgment
"Surely He scoffs at the scoffers" (Proverbs 3:34). God opposes the proud and will ultimately judge those who mock His truth. The scoffer may prosper temporarily, but divine judgment awaits those who persistently reject wisdom and righteousness.
Scoffer vs. Fool vs. Simple
Wisdom literature distinguishes between different types of unwise people. Understanding these distinctions helps us respond appropriately to each.
| Type | Hebrew | Characteristics | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple | Pethi | Naive, inexperienced, easily influenced | Teach and guide with patience |
| Fool | Kesil | Stubborn, rejects wisdom, morally dull | Confront with direct truth |
| Scoffer | Lets | Arrogant, mocking, actively hostile to wisdom | Avoid rebuke, pray for them |
Key Insight
The progression from simple to fool to scoffer represents increasing hardness of heart. The simple can be taught, the fool resists teaching, and the scoffer actively mocks and opposes it.
Consequences of Scoffing
"Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; yes, strife and reproach will cease."
— Proverbs 22:10 (NKJV)
Personal Consequences
- Spiritual blindness: "The light of the wicked will be put out" (Proverbs 24:20)
- Divine opposition: "God resists the proud" (James 4:6, quoting Proverbs 3:34)
- Isolation: Scoffers drive away potential friends and mentors
- Stunted growth: Rejecting correction prevents maturity and wisdom
Communal Consequences
- Strife and division: Scoffers create conflict wherever they go
- Corruption of others: Their influence spreads cynicism and rebellion
- Breakdown of authority: Mocking leaders undermines necessary order
Serious Warning
The consequences of persistent scoffing are severe. Proverbs warns that scoffers will face destruction: "For the simple ones will be slain by their turning away, and the complacency of fools will destroy them" (Proverbs 1:32).
How to Respond to Scoffers
Biblical Guidance for Response
Scripture provides clear instruction on how believers should interact with scoffers. The wisdom of Proverbs is both practical and protective.
1. Do Not Rebuke Directly
"Do not rebuke a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you" (Proverbs 9:8). Direct confrontation typically hardens the scoffer rather than softening them. They will turn their contempt toward you.
2. Avoid Their Company
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful" (Psalm 1:1). The psalmist presents a progression of separation from evil influence, including the scornful.
3. Speak Gently When Necessary
"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1). When interaction is unavoidable, gentle speech can prevent escalation even if it doesn't change the scoffer.
4. Focus on the Wise
"Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning" (Proverbs 9:9). Rather than exhausting yourself with scoffers, invest in those receptive to wisdom.
5. Pray for Their Repentance
While Proverbs advises against direct rebuke, Christians are called to love even those who oppose them. Prayer for the scoffer's repentance and salvation is appropriate, even when direct engagement is unwise.
6. Maintain Personal Integrity
"He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, and he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. Do not rebuke a scoffer, lest he hate you" (Proverbs 9:7-8). Protect your own witness by not engaging in futile arguments that damage your reputation.
New Testament Parallel
"But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition." — Titus 3:9-10
Self-Examination
Important Reflection
Before identifying scoffers in others, we must examine our own hearts. Are there areas where we resist correction? Do we mock what we don't understand? Pride can blind us to our own scoffing tendencies.
Questions for Self-Examination
- How do I respond when someone corrects me?
- Do I seek wise counsel or avoid it?
- Is there cynicism or mockery in my speech?
- Do I respect authority or routinely challenge it?
- Am I teachable or defensive?
Signs of a Teachable Spirit
- Welcoming correction with gratitude
- Seeking wise counsel before decisions
- Speaking respectfully about authority
- Admitting wrong quickly
- Growing in wisdom over time
"Humility is before honor."
— Proverbs 15:33 (NKJV)
Conclusion
Wisdom for Navigating Relationships
The biblical definition of a scoffer reveals a person whose heart is hardened against wisdom, correction, and God Himself. Proverbs presents the scoffer as a warning—a character to avoid becoming and a relationship to navigate carefully.
For believers, the lessons are clear: cultivate humility and teachability in your own life, respond to scoffers with wisdom rather than futile confrontation, and invest your energy in relationships that foster growth in godliness.
Ultimately, only God can transform a scoffer's heart. Our responsibility is to walk in wisdom, speak truth in love when appropriate, and trust God to work in ways we cannot. "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). May we be found among the humble who receive His grace.