Proverbs 22:10, “Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.”
Throughout the book of Proverbs the fool is contrasted with the wise person. A certain kind of fool that is often highlighted is the “mocker.” A mocker is “someone who ridicules others or purposely misrepresents something for the sake of offensive humor.” The Bible warns against being a mocker and being around mockers.
We all know people who are mockers. In school they were called the “class clowns.” They would ask silly questions, make stupid faces and bring disruption to the class. On the job they’re known as the “troublemakers.” They always need to be told 2-3x what to do and when no one is looking they scorn the company and ridicule their bosses.
Mockers can enter into your life at anytime. And sometimes we can have the tendency to behave like one. For example, if a wife confronts her husband about not taking out the garbage, and his response is to mimic her and call her a nag, he is acting like a mocker. Also, if a church member goes behind the pastor’s back and puts down the pastor to others, that person is a mocker.
The solution that God gives us for dealing with mockers is simple, “drive them out.” Don’t keep them around or be afraid of what they will say or do. Quickly remove them from your life.
If you have a mocker on the job that has been warned but is persistent in their mockery- fire them. If you’re not the boss, report them and stop spending time with them. If they are your boss, find a new job or seek for a transfer. When there is a mocker in the church that has repeatedly rejected instruction- disfellowship them (1 Corinthians 5:11-13). Don’t feel sorry for them, but rather rebuke them for their divisive and rebellious attitude. Paul said in Titus 3:10-11, “10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.”
If you’re married to a mocker and it turns into verbal abuse, separate from them until they treat you with respect. You don’t have to live with someone that disrespects you and your values. You and your children deserve better. According to God, the best thing you can do for mockers who refuse to repent is give them the “gift of goodbye.” Mockers love attention and seek others to hear their folly. God wants us to separate from them in hope that they’ll humble themselves to receive God’s wisdom. Ernest Yeboah wrote, “Your mockers will only have your attention… if you give them your attention.”
The Bible promises that when you drive out the mocker, the quarrels and insults will end. So if you’re undecided about separating yourself from a mocker, just ask yourself the question, “How many more quarrels and insults do I want to have?”
Reflection
Action
- Prayerfully identify any mockers you may have in your life.
- Seek God for the wisdom to help them and if they don’t change to drive them out.
- Guard your heart from acting like a mocker.
