Mocker is the nameIn biblical literature, a "mocker" is someone who ridicules or scorns others, often showing contempt for wisdom and instruction. This term is frequently associated with those who reject God's teachings and moral guidance. The Book of Proverbs often contrasts the wise with the mockers, highlighting the latter's foolishness and eventual downfall (
Proverbs 9:7-8, 13:1). The use of "name" here signifies identity and character, indicating that being a mocker is not just an action but a defining trait.
of the proud and arrogant man—
Pride and arrogance are consistently condemned throughout Scripture. They are seen as the root of many sins, leading individuals to elevate themselves above others and, ultimately, above God. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, humility was a valued trait, and pride was often linked to rebellion against God (Isaiah 2:11-12). The proud and arrogant man is one who trusts in his own strength and wisdom rather than in God, reminiscent of figures like Pharaoh in Exodus, who hardened his heart against God's commands.
of him who acts with excessive pride.
Excessive pride, or hubris, is a dangerous trait that leads to one's downfall. The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who fell due to their pride, such as King Nebuchadnezzar inDaniel 4, who was humbled by God until he acknowledged God's sovereignty. This phrase serves as a warning against self-exaltation and a reminder of the biblical principle that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). It also points to the ultimate example of humility found in Jesus Christ, who, though being in very nature God, humbled Himself and became obedient to death (Philippians 2:5-8).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often address themes of wisdom, folly, and moral conduct.
2.
The Proud and ArrogantThis refers to individuals characterized by excessive pride and self-importance, often leading to mockery and scorn of others.
3.
MockerIn the context of Proverbs, a mocker is someone who ridicules or scorns others, often as a result of their own pride and arrogance.
Teaching Points
The Dangers of PridePride leads to a downfall. It blinds individuals to their own faults and creates a barrier between them and God.
The Role of HumilityEmbracing humility opens the door to wisdom and grace. It allows for growth and learning, fostering a closer relationship with God.
Mockery as a Symptom of PrideMockery often stems from a place of insecurity and pride. Recognizing this can help us address the root cause and seek transformation.
Guarding Against ArroganceRegular self-examination and prayer can help us identify and combat prideful tendencies in our lives.
Community and AccountabilityEngaging with a faith community provides support and accountability, helping us to remain humble and avoid the pitfalls of pride.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 21:24?
2.How does Proverbs 21:24 define and describe a "proud and arrogant" person?
3.What practical steps can you take to avoid being "rude" as described?
4.How does Proverbs 21:24 connect with James 4:6 on pride and humility?
5.In what ways can pride hinder your relationship with God and others?
6.How can you cultivate humility in daily interactions according to biblical teachings?
7.What does Proverbs 21:24 reveal about the nature of pride and arrogance?
8.How does Proverbs 21:24 define a "mocker" in biblical terms?
9.Why is pride considered a significant sin in Proverbs 21:24?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 21?
11.What defines a scorner's traits and behavior in the Bible?
12.What does the Bible say about scoffers?
13.What does the Bible say about arrogance?
14.Proverbs 22:10: How do we reconcile the call to 'drive out the mocker' with the New Testament emphasis on love, forgiveness, and inclusion?What Does Proverbs 21:24 Mean
Mocker is the name• Scripture refuses to treat scoffing as a harmless personality trait; instead, it assigns a title: “Mocker.”
•Proverbs 9:7-8 warns that “he who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself,” underscoring how entrenched this attitude is.
• By naming the scoffer, the verse exposes the heart issue behind the behavior—mockery reveals rebellion against God’s wisdom (Proverbs 1:22).
of the proud• Pride is the inner engine that fuels mockery.Proverbs 16:18 cautions, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
• Pride elevates self above both God and neighbor, making humble teachability impossible (James 4:6;Psalm 138:6).
• When the verse links “mocker” with “proud,” it shows that scoffing is not merely about words; it is the overflow of a heart enthroned with self.
and arrogant man• Arrogance adds open defiance to inward pride.Psalm 10:4: “In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his schemes there is no God.”
• The arrogant person trusts his own opinions and belittles correction (Proverbs 15:12).
• Such a man builds his identity around being “above” others, which explains why mockery is his native tongue (Romans 1:30 speaks of those who are “arrogant” and “boastful”).
of him who acts with excessive pride• The verse ends by stressing action: pride is not just a mood but a lifestyle on display.Proverbs 8:13 equates “arrogance, evil behavior, and perverse speech” with hatred of the Lord.
•Isaiah 2:11 pictures the ultimate outcome: “The proud look of man will be humbled and the loftiness of men brought low, and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.”
• Daily habits reveal whether pride or humility rules the heart (1 Peter 5:5). Mockers may appear strong now, but their self-exalting course sets them against God Himself.
summaryProverbs 21:24 exposes a chain: a proud heart breeds arrogance, arrogance expresses itself in mockery, and persistent mockery brands a person as a “mocker.” God’s Word warns that this path is self-destructive and stands in direct opposition to His wisdom. Humility and teachability are the only antidotes, leading to grace instead of judgment.
(24)
Proud and haughty scorner is his name.--See above on
Proverbs 1:22.
Verse 24. -
Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. (For "scorner" (
לצ), the
esprit fort, the freethinking sceptic of Solomon's day, see notes on Proverbs 1:22 and Proverbs 14:6.) The verse is better translated,
A proud, arrogant man, scoffer is his name, who worketh in superfluity of pride.
עֶבְרָה (
ebrah), translated "wrath," denotes also want of moderation, excess, presumption (see note on Proverbs 11:23). The proverb explains the meaning of the name,
letz, given to these rationalists; their contempt of revealed religion proceeds from pride of intellect, which refuses instruction, and blinds the eyes to the truth. The warning comes home to us in these times, when the "higher criticism" too often runs into gross scepticism and infidelity. Septuagint, "A bold and self-willed and insolent man is called a pest (
λοιμὸς), and he that remembers injuries is a transgressor."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Proud,זֵ֣ד(zêḏ)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2086:Insolent, presumptuousArrogant,יָ֭הִיר(yā·hîr)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 3093:Elated, arrogantand Mockerלֵ֣ץ(lêṣ)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3887:Ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mockerare the namesשְׁמ֑וֹ(šə·mōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8034:A nameof him who actsע֝וֹשֶׂ֗ה(‘ō·w·śeh)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makewith excessiveבְּעֶבְרַ֥ת(bə·‘eḇ·raṯ)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5678:Overflow, arrogance, furypride.זָדֽוֹן׃(zā·ḏō·wn)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2087:Insolence, presumptuousness
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 21:24 The proud and haughty man scoffer (Prov. Pro Pr)