A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, Nor will he go to the wise.
[Pro 15:12 NKJV]
We live in a time when people can write just about anything and hide their identity, for the most part, from the average person. This means words that one might not have said in person can be written in reply to a post. More often than not these words are not nice – they can dig and hurt. Very few of us are guilt free of participating in such behavior.
When someone posts negative comments on a faith based, God’s Word, post we need to realize that this isn’t just another negative comment. Rather, it is evil using a minion to stir up controversy on a topic that has already been settled by Christ. God’s Word tells us these are scoffers and that they will increase as we get closer to end.
The word “scoffer” occurs 11 times in 11 verses in [Proverbs in] the NKJV. Scoffers are those who scoff (mock) others, and that is something evil enjoys doing to believers. The word ‘scoff’ has a two definitions that explain a scoffer’s behavior. It is defined as “1: an expression of scorn, derision, or contempt : 2 : an object of scorn, mockery, or derision.” (Scoff: 1) A scoffer is actively engaging in the act of “contempt by derisive acts or language.” (Scoff: 2)
These are deliberate attempts by evil to try and dampen our spirits, to divide us, and to engage us in needless arguments. When Jesus was tempted by the devil during Jesus’ 40 days and nights in the wilderness, Jesus was solid in his replies to the devil. He always used God’s Word to fight back. (Mat 4:1-11) However, comments on posts are not tempting, they are deliberate attacks on our faith in Christ. God’s Word tells us it is not to our benefit to engage with scoffers.
“He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked [man only] harms himself.
[Pro 9:7 NKJV]
Scoffers have no interest in the truth. They are being influenced by evil and do not desire wisdom. The best course of action, unless one really feels led by God to engage, is to pray for them and ignore the comment.
Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; Yes, strife and reproach will cease.
[Pro 22:10 NKJV]
It isn’t easy to ignore comments that come from those influenced by evil and deception, but we are better off leaving it to God. Standing firm in our faith doesn’t always mean showing what we know through discourse. Sometimes standing firm means knowing when to walk away and leave it to God.
Stand Strong (Official Lyric Video) – Moriah Peters
Dear Jesus:
In you we have strength. To you we can run when we are under attack. Lord, we see the attacks ramping up on your church. Evil is seen as good and good is seen as evil. Scoffers are increasing in number as the days grow closer to your return. Jesus, we ask for your wisdom to know the difference between scoffer’s comments and from someone who may truly want to know truth, Help us know when to engage and when to pray and leave it to you. Lord, often it is easy to discern between the two but there are times when only you know the difference and the person’s heart. Thank you, Lord, that we can turn to you and that your Word is always truth and doesn’t need to be defended.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
