Searching for What Cannot Be Found

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. 

• 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.

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

The Power of Mockery

Perhaps one of the most demeaning aspects of the life of Jesus was the mockery He endured during His trial and crucifixion.

Pilate asked Jesus if He was a king and Jesus said that His kingdom was not of this world. After that, Pilate referred to Jesus as the king of the Jews. In doing so, he mocked the Jews who accused Jesus, but he also mocked Jesus.

Before being crucified Jesus was scourged (whipped) like a criminal. The Roman soldiers dressed Him in purple as if He were a king: mockery. They twisted a crown of thorns and put it on Him: mockery. They called to Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Mockery. They beat His head with a stick, spit on Him, and were bowed before Him: mockery.

The Jews were no different. As Jesus was displayed on the cross to passer-byers (mockery), the religious leaders of the Jews said, “He saved others; He cannot save himself.” Mockery. Those passing by wagged their head at Him and sneered: mockery. Some were saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” Mockery.

Even the two criminals who were crucified with Jesus insulted him: mockery.

It is my opinion that no one reading this has been mocked like Jesus. And yet, all mockery is the same, perhaps just different in severity.

A little child would say that he/she was made fun of. Mockery is ridicule that insults and shows contempt toward another person. People may mock ideas or ideals that are held by others. Mockery is usually a verbal expression that sharply puts someone down or devalues something held to be true. Mockery may also be non-verbal.

A young man tells his girlfriend, “If you love me you will….” Then he tries to coax her into compromising her sexual purity. He is mocking love and mocking his girlfriend for his own pleasure.

A friend group pressures a reluctant teen to shoplift as an initiation into the group. They mock the law and they mock the teen for his reluctance.

A young lady is left out of future outings with friends when she insists on abiding by her parents’ curfew. Her friends mock her obedience and, in doing so, also mock God’s word that instructs children to honor their parents.

A person declares, “You have your interpretation of the Bible; I have mine.” He mocks the existence of knowable truth.

A college student scoffs at the biblical account of creation claiming a conflict with science. She mocks genuine scientific inquiry and, at the same time, the divine revelation of God.

Mockery may be experienced through an accusation on social media or ridicule for something you did or said that offended someone. Your boss may take advantage of your Christian values and in doing so, mock you and Christianity.

Solomon said that there is a time to answer mockery and a time to remain silent. (See Proverbs 26:4-5.) We need discernment.

Jesus answered mockery by fulfilling His earthly mission. He was then enthroned as King of the kingdom of God!

The power of mockery lies in those who listen, who give mockery relevance. Some believe they must defend the truth. Yet, in reality, truth defends itself and in doing so mocks the mocker.

Do not fear powerless mockery. 

God is your Judge, and He is your Father.

Fulfill your purpose.

Mark Stinnett

December 22, 2024

The Spirit Shop

The debates over drinking have lasted for decades, perhaps centuries. Questions have been asked and answered, though the answers have been inconsistent. Through it all the abuse of intoxicating drinks remains.

Wine and strong drink have been around at least since the time of Noah (after the flood). See Genesis 9:20-21 for the first biblical reference to wine, strong drink and a vineyard.

It is clear from scripture that drunkenness is a moral issue. Drunkenness is sin. Many people justify drinking by simply asserting that the Bible does not condemn drinking, only drunkenness. Even so, let’s step back from all the ‘nit-picking’ arguments and take a look at something God revealed.

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,
And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. 

 —Proverbs 20:1

Wine and strong drink are personified. We understand this kind of figure of speech. However, we must not overlook the reality presented by this poetic picture: Wine and strong drink have an effect on the personality of the one drinking.

Intoxicating drink changes a person. We could talk about physiological changes. However, the changes are not purely physical. If the effects were, for example, a weakened body, or baldness, or decaying teeth, then we could reason that the effect was purely physical.

However, intoxicating drink changes one’s personality, disposition, and the ability to think. A person becomes a mocker and a brawler (fighter). Once the intoxicating drink gets into the blood stream, the change is beyond a person's control. Mints might mask one’s breath, but they won't magically remove the alcohol from one's body. (Hollywood often presents a false view of recovery from drunkenness.)

There are changes that occur as intoxicating drink affect the mind and emotions of a person. In Scripture the spirit of man is intimately connected to the human intellect, emotion and the human will. Physically, the human brain is the point of connection to the human spirit. From the body to the brain to the human spirit, intoxicating drink changes a person without asking permission.

In simple terms, intoxicating drink causes a person to temporarily lose control of his/her thinking, emotions and will.

Drink deeply from the words of the Apostle Paul:

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.

--Ephesians 5:18

Do you see the contrast?

Being filled with the Spirit of God stands in stark contrast to drunkenness, that is, being filled with intoxicating drink.

The Bible teaches that the Spirit of God dwells within each Christian to enable and assist. The Spirit of God cannot enable you in your pursuit of godliness, cannot assist you to do God's will, cannot bring comfort into your life when He is forced out of your being by intoxicating drink.

Drinking wine and intoxicating drinks is no laughing matter. Nor is it merely a moral issue, as if a mere religious rule. Your spiritual well-being is at stake.

Will you choose to be filled with the Spirit of God or the spirits of mockery and brawling from the local ‘spirit shop’?


Mark Stinnett

April 2, 2023

Correct Me, If I’m Wrong

"Correct me, if I'm wrong," he said.

I'm not always sure if a person is sincere when I hear such a comment. After all, I have attempted to correct someone after hearing such a statement, but it did not turn out as I expected.

Here’s wisdom that applies:

Do not reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you,

Reprove a wise man, and he will love you.

--Proverbs 9:8

Have you ever felt that you needed to correct someone, but you were afraid of how they might react? That’s not uncommon. Many folks are non-confrontational, and with good reason. Relationships have become strained or broken when trying to correct another.

No one wants to face the scoffer when he is corrected. It might result in…

• Anger over being corrected.
• Denial of a problem and complete refusal of correction;
• Accusations cast toward the one correcting;
• Colorful speech in response;
• A dismissive attitude toward the one offering correction;
• Excuses to explain (i.e. justify) the behavior.

Because of the potential reaction of the scoffer, many folks prefer not to engage in the correction of anyone, even a wise man.

Yet, what is the outcome when there is no correction? If a person has done wrong but is not corrected, then there are two lies being told:

• The one who is in the wrong, but refuses correction, behaves as if everything is fine when it is not.
• The one who refrains from correcting another has hidden the truth out of fear.

Both lies avoid reality.

Solomon gives us insight into the possible outcome of correcting another person. However, we should not assume one thing or another. A gentle revelation of the truth with wise words may reveal a scoffer or a wise man. Either way, you have done right by not hiding the truth.

If you have revealed a scoffer, follow Solomon's advice and avoid correcting him/her in the future. Also remember, even wise men may not enjoy being corrected at first. It might take some time for the wise man to come around. So, don’t be too quick to judge.

Here are a couple of verses of Scripture that may help to encourage correction:

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

—2 Timothy 3:16-17

My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

—James 5:19-20

Always approach correction with the right attitude. Correction is not for gloating, setting the record straight or standing in judgment. Correction is for the benefit of another’s soul.

Also, when you are on the receiving end, i.e. the one being corrected, stop talking and listen. It might be that you ARE wrong. It might be that you NEED correction...for the good of your soul.

Be humble.

Be courageous.

Be wise.

Mark Stinnett

October 23, 2022

Who Can Understand?

   They are all straightforward to him who understands, 
   And right to those who find knowledge.
   --Proverbs 8:9

Solomon writes about wisdom as if wisdom were a woman calling loudly to people to listen.

“They” refers to the words that she (wisdom personified) speaks.

Her words of wisdom are ‘straightforward.’ They are not 'crooked or perverted' (v. 8). In other words, they are not twisted or tricky. They can be easily understood.

So, who could possibly ‘misunderstand’ the proverbs?

Remember the scoffer?
The scoffer* does not listen.
He is not open-minded.
He already ‘knows.’

When the scoffer hears something unfamiliar, he immediately rejects it, even if it is God’s word. His mind is already made up. So, God’s wisdom seems tricky, contradictory, or difficult to understand (though he would never admit it). It does not fit into his frame of reference of understanding. So, it must be rejected.

Unless you are a scoffer, God’s wisdom can be understood. If you are only 12 years old or still kicking at 112 years old, you can benefit from the wisdom that God offers. The only question is: Are you able to accept God’s wisdom as true, even when your experience ‘seems’ different? Are you willing to trust his teaching above your own understanding?

You can understand. God wants you to understand.

Wisdom calls out . . . "LISTEN!"

[*The following posts tell more about the scoffer: Musar, Someone's Missing, A Pair to Remember, I Was Only Trying to Help..., and Broken Beyond Remedy.]

I Was Only Trying to Help...

There are those kinds of people that really are difficult to deal with. You cannot suggest anything, they already ‘know’ what to do. You cannot discuss things with them, their minds are made up. And if you should ever try to help by offering correction, “Watch Out!” They will lash back at you as if you are the one who needs correction.

If you are not expecting that type of reaction, it can really take you by surprise. If you have the presence of mind not to strike back, you might feel a hurt and feel uncertain as to what to do next.

One of the greatest values of the Proverbs is that of teaching us about the brutal realities of life. Solomon often makes simple observations that will help us to face life with greater understanding so that we are not surprised, and so that others do not take unfair advantage of us. His teachings help us to move forward in life with our heads held high. He helps us to face life's challenges by 'toughening us up' mentally and emotionally.

   He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself, 
   And he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself.
   --Proverbs 9:7

This is the kind of proverb that presents a true observation about life. It is a, “Brace yourself,” kind of advisory. It is reality!

The word ‘correct’ is literally an emphatic ‘sternly correct.’ In the Hebrew Old Testament it often describes discipline. The term ‘reprove’ is similar, but refers more to verbal correction.

As far as the scoffer and the wicked are concerned, they already ‘know.’ So they reject instruction and correction. You do not tell them, they will tell you. They have made choices in life and are set in their ways. You could say that they have set their path ‘in stone.’

So, when the scoffer dishonors you, or the wicked person insults you, don't fall apart. Don't cry about it. Understand that God already knows about the scoffer. God has warned us of the brutal reality of the scoffer through Solomon's writings. Recognize the scoffer and the wicked man for who they are. You are not judging them, but rather making a simple identification based the way they choose to express their character. So, take this wise insight and stand up straight. Do what is right, and move forward without fighting, without crying,  and without feeling badly.

And read the next two verses...
Really...God reveals something more...
So, get your Bible...right now...and...
Read two more verses...

A Pair to Remember

Proud. Proud. Proud. Proud. Proud. Proud. Proud. Proud. Proud. Proud. 
Humble. Humble. Humble. Humble. Humble. Humble. Humble. Humble.

A person cannot read the Proverbs without learning something about God’s attitude toward pride and humility. The Apostle Peter summed it up succinctly:
   God is opposed to the proud, 
   But gives grace to the humble.
   --1 Peter 5:5

Not only should we see God’s attitude toward pride and humility in the Proverbs, we should learn how to avoid pride and its pitfalls, as well as how to embrace humility and its blessings. Perhaps the real question is whether we believe the words of Solomon and Peter or simply wish to blunder through life indulging our human nature.

Consider the proverb...

   When pride comes, then comes dishonor, 
   But with the humble is wisdom.
   --Proverbs 11:2

Dishonor follows pride. This is a principle of life that God has put into place in his creation. It is like gravity; God made it to be that way.

Some folks look for exceptions, or, at least, occasions that appear to be exceptions. People that challenge God and His word by pressing a supposed exception are scoffers. Their naïve assessment of God's word demonstrates pride in their thinking.

Jesus taught a parable that illustrated the principle found in the proverb. It is worth a quick look. 

And He began speaking a parable to the invited guests when He noticed how they had been picking out the places of honor at the table, saying to them, 8 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for someone more distinguished than you may have been invited by him, 9 and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then in disgrace you proceed to occupy the last place. 10 But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will have honor in the sight of all who are at the table with you."

His conclusion in verse 11:
   "For everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, 
   And he who humbles himself shall be exalted."

Looking back to the proverb...
The second line of the proverb contrasts the first, but with a notable difference. Dishonor 'follows' pride, but wisdom is 'with' the humble.

Dishonor and pride are a pair, but one follows the other. In contrast, wisdom and humility are paired together as close companions. We can safely conclude that a wise person will demonstrate humility, but also, that a humble person pursues and lives according to wisdom.

Are you able to read this proverb and accept it at face value? Or, do you find God to be out of sync with the people of our day? Do you have insight into truth that surpasses God's understanding? Are you a scoffer?

See pride for what it is. Embrace the noble pair, humility and wisdom, and enjoy the results, grace from our Creator.

Someone's Missing

Wisdom calls out!

She calls, “to you, O men” and “to the sons of men.” (Ch. 8:4) The references to 'men' and 'sons of men' might be understood as 'mankind.' So, wisdom calls out to everyone. She wants everyone to listen and learn and gain understanding.

Yet...two are singled out.

   O naïve ones, discern prudence; 
   And, O fools, discern wisdom.
   --Proverbs 8:5

Who are the naïve and the fool?

The Hebrew term for ‘naïve’ is rooted in the idea of ‘being spacious or wide open.’ The naïve person is ‘open-minded.’ However, being open-minded works in two ways. Not only is the naïve likely to believe a lie, he is just as likely to believe what is true. He is just as likely to make choices that lead down a path of evil as he is to choose the path of good. The trouble is that he is too open-minded to tell the difference. He needs wisdom and discretion.

The Hebrew term used in this verse for ‘fool’ carries the idea of ‘heaviness’ or being ‘fat.’ Used in a good sense, heaviness is related to strength; in a bad sense, laziness and inactivity of the mind, so stupidity and folly.

The fool needs wisdom and discretion to activate his mind and motivate him toward things that are good and beneficial.


So, Wisdom called to two, but did you notice that she called to only two?
Wisdom called the naïve and the fool, but one is left out.
Someone is missing.

In the first chapter of Proverbs Wisdom reflects on a trio: The naïve, fools, and scoffers.

   How long, O naïve ones, will you love simplicity?
   And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing,
   And fools hate knowledge? (1:22)

Yet, when Wisdom calls out in chapter 8, why does she not call out to the scoffer?

Perhaps it is because the nature of the scoffer. You have probably been around a scoffer. Another word we use for scoffing is mocking. The scoffer rejects wisdom and laughs at instruction.

• The scoffer already knows! 
• The scoffer will not listen! 
• The scoffer does not take advice! 
• The scoffer is confident (though it is really only pride)!

(Read ahead in Proverbs 9 to see how to deal with the scoffer.)

Wisdom is wise. She calls to those who can listen, who can be taught.
It is not a pleasant question, but one that must be asked:
Is wisdom calling you, or...are you...

                                                            ...missing???