By Dr. Greg Little
May 20th, 2006
As we look at Proverbs chapter fourteen and verse nine we would be wise to start with the definitions of a few words.
The first word to define is Fools. A fool is someone who is destitute of reason. Some are born this way while others become this way through injury. A fool can also be someone who is deficient in intellect, that acts absurdly, does not exercise reason, or one who pursues a course contrary to wisdom.
The next word is Mock. The word mock in this verse is a noun and the definition for this tense is - ridicule; derision; sneer; an act manifesting contempt.
So gathering from the definitions of both words and from Proverbs chapter fourteen verse nine we see that folks who act contrary to the Words of God and ridicule Its teachings are called fools by God Almighty.
What they have contempt for is when the Bible says something contrary to what they live, teach, or practice. The illustrations of this are numerous. You will find people in churches that will say, “I don’t care what the Bible says, we have always done it this way and I aint gonna change now!”
While others say, “I was raised [religious background] and it doesn’t matter what you say the Bible says I am not changing.”
The problem comes in when they begin to ridicule the Words of God in contempt. Meanwhile they will constantly bring up others “sins” when confronted with something that goes against their belief and opinion.
God was not “caught off guard” by these mockers.
Consider Jude verses sixteen through nineteen:
16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.
17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
Does this sound like anyone you know? Or does it sound like YOU?