Responding to Mockery and Insults Biblically and Effectively
Responding to Mockery and Insults Biblically and Effectively
The Bible addresses the issue of mockery and insults, providing guidance on how to respond to them in a godly manner. In Proverbs, we are warned that mockers will be punished, and that when they are, the simple will gain wisdom [1, 2]. This suggests that mockery is not only a personal attack but also a test of character.
The biblical response to mockery is not to retaliate or seek revenge. Instead, believers are encouraged to trust in God and exhibit love and kindness towards their mockers [4]. In Galatians 6:7, we are reminded that "God is not mocked," emphasizing the importance of living a life that honors God, even in the face of ridicule [7].
The book of Job provides a vivid example of suffering mockery and insults. Job laments that he is mocked by his friends, who do not understand his suffering [3]. The Protestant academic commentary on one tradition notes that mockery is a common theme in laments, where the righteous are mocked by the wicked [5].
In the face of mockery, believers are called to remain faithful and not be swayed by the opinions of others. one commentary tradition on Isaiah 57:4 notes that those who mock God's servants are, in effect, mocking God Himself [6]. The Nonconformist/Puritan commentary on 2 Peter 3:3 warns that in the last days, there will be scoffers who will make a mockery of the gospel [8].
To respond biblically and effectively to mockery and insults, one must cultivate a spirit of meekness and forbearance. one commentary tradition on Isaiah notes that believers should not be silent in the face of blasphemy, but should instead testify against it, even if it means putting their lives at risk [9]. However, this testimony should be characterized by kindness, love, and a commitment to God's truth.
Sources
- Proverbs “Proverbs 19:25 (BSB) — Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.”
- Proverbs “When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. -- Proverbs 21:11”
- Job “Job 12:4 (DRC) — He that is mocked by his friends as I, shall call upon God and he will hear him: for the simplicity of the just man is laughed to scorn.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Revenge — Forbidden by our Lord -- Le 19:18; Pr 24:17,29; Mt 5:39-41; Ro 12:17,19; 1Th 5:15; 1Pe 3:9. Christ an example of forbearing -- Isa 53:7; 1Pe 2:23. Rebuked by Christ -- Lu 9:54,55. Inconsistent with Christian spirit -- Lu 9:55. Proceeds from a spiteful heart -- Eze 25:15. Instead of taking, we should Trust in God. -- Pr 20:22; Ro 12:16. Exhibit love. -- Le 19:18; Lu 6:35. Give place to wrath. -- Ro 12:19. Exercise forbearance. -- Mt 5:38-41. Bless. -- Ro 12:14. Overcome others by kindness. -- Pr 25:21,22; Ro 12:20. Keep others from taking -- 1Sa 24:10; 25:24”
- Job (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Job 17:2: 17:2 surrounded by mockers: Laments typically describe mockery as the response of the wicked to the distress of the righteous (Pss 22:7; 69:10-12; 89:50-52). In wisdom literature, mockery is directed against the right behavior (Prov 1:22; 9:7).”
- Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 57:4: sport yourselves--make a mock (Isa 66:5). Are ye aware of the glory of Him whom you mock, by mocking His servants ("the righteous," Isa 57:1)? (Ch2 36:16). make . . . wide month-- (Psa 22:7, Psa 22:13; Psa 35:21; Lam 2:16). children of transgression, &c.--not merely children of transgressors, and a seed of false parents, but of transgression and falsehood itself, utterly unfaithful to God.”
- Galatians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Galatians 6:7: God is not mocked--The Greek verb is, literally, to sneer with the nostrils drawn up in contempt. God does not suffer Himself to be imposed on by empty words: He will judge according to works, which are seeds sown for eternity of either joy or woe. Excuses for illiberality in God's cause (Gal 6:6) seem valid before men, but are not so before God (Psa 50:21). soweth--especially of his resources (Co2 9:6). that--Greek, "this"; this and nothing else. reap--at the harvest, the end of the world (Mat 13:39).”
- 2 Peter (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 2 Peter 3:3: To quicken and excite us to a serious minding and firm adhering to what God has revealed to us by the prophets and apostles, we are told that there will be scoffers, men who will make a mock of sin, and of salvation from it. God's way of saving sinners by Jesus Christ is what men will scoff at, and that in the last days, under the gospel. This indeed may seem very strange, that the New Testament dispensation of the covenant of grace, which is spiritual and therefore more agreeable to the nature of God than the Old, should be ridiculed and reproached; but the spiri”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 3, section 4.28: much disposed to yield obedience when matters were desperate. It will perhaps be objected that they ought not to have been silent when such blasphemies were uttered against God; for we ought not to conceal our sentiments when wicked men mock, and jeer, and reproach God, even though our life should be put in danger. We ought, at least, to testify that we cannot patiently endure that his honor and glory should be attacked. But it is not said that they were silent because they expressed their assent, or cared nothing about the reproaches which w”