Proverbs on Cynicism: “Scoffers” (lēsim)

Allen Ross states that the “scoffer” (lēṣ) is “the defiant and cynical freethinker.” He is “the person who will not live by wise and moral teachings and is not content to let others do so without his cynical mocking.” Derek Kidner writes, “The scoffer or scorner (lēs)… makes it finally clear that mental attitude, not mental capacity, classifies the man.” Bruce Waltke writes, “Their spiritual problem is rooted in their overweening pride. His supercilious arrogance blocks him from wisdom.”

(Prov. 1:22) Scoffers delight themselves in scoffing.

(Prov. 3:34) [God] scoffs at the scoffers, yet He gives grace to the afflicted.

(Prov. 9:7-8) He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself, and he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself. ⁸ Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, reprove a wise man and he will love you.

(Prov. 9:12 NLT) If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.

(Prov. 13:1) A scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

(Prov. 14:6) A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge is easy to one who has understanding.

(Prov. 15:12) A scoffer does not love one who reproves him, he will not go to the wise.

(Prov. 19:25) Strike a scoffer and the naive may become shrewd, but reprove one who has understanding and he will gain knowledge. (cf. Prov. 21:11)

(Prov. 21:24 NLT) Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance.

(Prov. 22:10) Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go out, even strife and dishonor will cease.

(Prov. 24:9) The devising of folly is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to men.

(Prov. 29:8) Scorners set a city aflame, but wise men turn away anger.