A scoffer seeks wisdom, and finds none,But knowledge is easy to him who has understanding.--Proverbs 14:6
Why is this proverb true?
How is it that a person could actually search for the very thing that God wishes for him to have, yet not find it?
Take a look at these proverbs about the scoffer:
"Proud," "Haughty," "Scoffer," are his names,Who acts with insolent pride.--Proverbs 21:24
"How long, O naive ones, will you love simplicity?And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing,And fools hate knowledge?--Proverbs 1:22
He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself,And he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself.--Proverbs 9:7
Do not reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you,Reprove a wise man, and he will love you.--Proverbs 9:8
A wise son accepts his father's discipline,But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.--Proverbs 13:1
A scoffer does not love one who reproves him,He will not go to the wise.--Proverbs 15:12
Do you see the character of the scoffer?
Do you see his character flaws?
The scoffer is filled with pride. He is consumed with himself. He looks down on others.
The scoffer is filled with pride. He is consumed with himself. He looks down on others.
- His knowledge is superior or, at least, sufficient.
- His experience is superior, or, at least, sufficient.
- His ideas are superior, or, at least, sufficient.
You cannot tell the scoffer anything; he needs no counsel, no advice. He does not listen to correction. He cannot be corrected. A term used in our day that may describe the scoffer is ‘narcissist.’
Go back and read the first chapter of the book of Proverbs. The purpose of the book is to impart wisdom. Yet, what is one of the keys to gaining wisdom?
Over and over and over, Solomon begs his son to listen! One who listens, truly listens, must exhibit humility. He must acknowledge that he is not sufficient within himself. He must be open to instruction, criticism, and correction.
Go back and read the first chapter of the book of Proverbs. The purpose of the book is to impart wisdom. Yet, what is one of the keys to gaining wisdom?
Over and over and over, Solomon begs his son to listen! One who listens, truly listens, must exhibit humility. He must acknowledge that he is not sufficient within himself. He must be open to instruction, criticism, and correction.
The scoffer searches for wisdom but the very thing he needs stands in opposition to his character. He needs humility in order to listen but opposes it by his own pride.
Do you need proof?
Just read this to a scoffer.
Be wise.
Be humble.
Listen.
Mark Stinnett
March 29, 2026
