The Bible speaks often about scoffers, and chances are you’ve encountered one without knowing the term. These are the people who mock God, dismiss His truth, and ridicule those who follow Him. They don’t just disagree with Scripture; they treat it with contempt.
Understanding what a scoffer is matters because the Bible warns us to recognize them and respond with wisdom. Learning to identify scoffing helps protect your faith and guides how you engage with those who oppose God’s Word.
What Is a Scoffer in the Bible?
A scoffer in the Bible is someone who openly mocks, ridicules, or shows contempt for God, His Word, and His people. Scoffers reject divine truth not out of honest doubt but from arrogant disdain. They don’t merely question; they mock with derision, treating sacred things as foolish and worthy of scorn.
The Hebrew and Greek Words Behind “Scoffer”
The Old Testament uses the Hebrew word luts, which means to scorn, mock, or make mouths at someone. This word appears throughout Proverbs and the Psalms, describing someone whose heart has hardened against wisdom.
The Greek New Testament uses words like empaiktēs, which means a mocker or one who ridicules. Peter uses this term in 2 Peter 3:3 to describe those who will come in the last days, scoffing at the promise of Christ’s return.
Scoffers Versus Skeptics
The Bible distinguishes between honest skeptics and hardened scoffers. Skeptics ask genuine questions and seek understanding, while scoffers have already closed their hearts to truth.
Thomas doubted Christ’s resurrection but examined the evidence when Jesus appeared to him. A scoffer would have laughed and walked away, refusing to even consider the possibility.
What the Bible Says About Scoffers
Scripture consistently warns believers about scoffers and describes their characteristics with startling clarity. God doesn’t leave us guessing about who these people are or how they behave.
Proverbs Describes the Scoffer’s Character
The book of Proverbs dedicates significant attention to scoffers, painting a clear picture of their nature. These passages reveal not just what scoffers do but who they are at their core.
- Proverbs 21:24: “The proud and arrogant person—’Mocker’ is his name—behaves with insolent fury.” Scoffers operate from pride and arrogance, not humble inquiry.
- Proverbs 13:1: “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.” Scoffers refuse correction because they believe they already know better than everyone else.
- Proverbs 9:7-8: “Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you.” Scoffers respond to truth with hostility rather than gratitude.
- Proverbs 14:6: “The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.” Scoffers claim to seek truth but remain blind because their hearts are closed.
The Psalms Warn About Scoffers
Psalm 1:1 opens with a blessing for those who avoid the company of scoffers: “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.” God calls His people to separate themselves from those who scoff at His ways.
Psalm 73:11 captures the scoffer’s attitude toward God: “They say, ‘How would God know? Does the Most High know anything?'” Scoffers question God’s awareness, His justice, and His very existence with contempt.
Peter Prophesies About End-Times Scoffers
2 Peter 3:3-4 warns that scoffers will increase as Christ’s return approaches: “Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, ‘Where is this “coming” he promised?'”
These scoffers don’t just doubt Christ’s return; they mock it as a fairy tale. Their scoffing serves their own desires, allowing them to live without accountability to God.
The Heart Condition of a Scoffer
Scoffing isn’t primarily an intellectual position but a heart problem. The scoffer’s root issue is pride that refuses to bow before God’s authority.
Pride Fuels Scoffing
Every scoffer believes they stand above God’s Word as judge rather than under it as subject. They position themselves as the final authority on truth, wisdom, and morality.
This explains why scoffers react so violently to correction. When you challenge a scoffer, you’re not just disagreeing with an opinion; you’re threatening their entire identity as the one who decides what’s true.
Scoffers Love Their Sin
John 3:19-20 reveals why people reject the light: “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.”
Scoffers mock God’s Word because accepting it would require them to change. Ridicule becomes a defense mechanism that protects their lifestyle from divine scrutiny.
Spiritual Blindness Hardens the Scoffer
Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 2:14 that “the person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” Scoffers lack spiritual eyes to see what believers see clearly.
This blindness doesn’t excuse their mockery, but it explains why rational arguments often fail to reach them. They need the Holy Spirit to open their eyes, not just better explanations.
How Scoffers Operate in Practice
Recognizing scoffing behavior helps you identify when you’re dealing with a scoffer rather than an honest questioner. Scoffers follow predictable patterns that Scripture describes with accuracy.
They Mock Rather Than Discuss
Scoffers don’t engage ideas; they ridicule people. They use sarcasm, dismissive language, and contemptuous tones designed to make believers look foolish.
When you share your faith, a scoffer might respond with something like, “Oh, you still believe in that invisible sky daddy?” Notice how the response attacks you personally rather than engaging what you actually said.
They Refuse Correction
Proverbs 15:12 states clearly: “Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise.” Scoffers surround themselves with people who affirm their views and avoid anyone who might challenge them with truth.
This creates an echo chamber where their scoffing intensifies. Without correction, scoffers become more entrenched in their mockery and more aggressive in their attacks on faith.
They Stir Up Conflict
Proverbs 22:10 instructs, “Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.” Scoffers create division wherever they go because mockery breeds conflict.
Communities, families, and churches find peace when scoffers leave because these individuals thrive on stirring up controversy and discord. Their presence poisons relationships and prevents unity.
The Consequences of Scoffing
The Bible doesn’t just describe scoffers; it warns about the severe consequences they face. God takes mockery of His truth seriously, and scoffers will answer for their contempt.
Scoffers Miss Wisdom
Proverbs 14:6 reveals a tragic irony: scoffers search for wisdom but never find it. Their pride blinds them to the very thing they claim to seek.
Meanwhile, humble seekers find wisdom readily because God gives grace to the humble but opposes the proud. Scoffers lock themselves out of understanding through their own arrogance.
Scoffers Face Divine Judgment
Proverbs 19:29 declares: “Penalties are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.” God promises judgment for those who persist in scoffing against Him and His ways.
Isaiah 28:22 warns even more directly: “Now stop your mocking, or your chains will become heavier; the Lord, the LORD Almighty, has told me of the destruction decreed against the whole land.” Continued mockery leads to increased judgment, not exemption from it.
Scoffers Die in Their Sins
Without repentance, scoffers face eternal separation from God. Their mockery doesn’t shield them from accountability; it seals their fate if they refuse to turn from it.
Jesus spoke sobering words in Matthew 12:36-37: “I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Every mocking word will be remembered and judged.
How Believers Should Respond to Scoffers
Scripture gives clear guidance on how Christians should interact with scoffers. Wisdom requires discernment about when to engage, when to remain silent, and when to walk away.
Don’t Waste Pearls on Pigs
Jesus instructed in Matthew 7:6: “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”
This doesn’t mean we never share truth with hostile people, but it does mean we recognize when someone has moved beyond honest inquiry into contemptuous mockery. At that point, continuing to argue often does more harm than good.
Avoid Arguments That Go Nowhere
Proverbs 9:7-8 advises against correcting scoffers because they respond with insults rather than gratitude. Paul echoes this wisdom in 2 Timothy 2:23: “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.”
Discernment tells you when a conversation has shifted from productive dialogue to useless quarreling. Scoffers often drag you into endless debates designed to waste your time and exhaust your patience.
Speak Truth and Move On
Sometimes you speak truth not to convince the scoffer but to bear witness before others watching the conversation. You clearly present the gospel or defend a biblical principle, then you step back and let your words stand.
Acts 13:44-51 shows Paul doing exactly this. When Jewish leaders contradicted and blasphemed, Paul spoke boldly one more time, then shook the dust off his feet and moved to the next town. He didn’t keep arguing with committed scoffers.
Pray for Their Conversion
The apostle Paul was himself a scoffer before his Damascus Road encounter with Jesus. He called himself the chief of sinners and a former blasphemer in 1 Timothy 1:13-15.
What human argument couldn’t accomplish, divine intervention achieved in a moment. Pray for scoffers to encounter the living Christ, because God can soften the hardest heart and open the blindest eyes.
Guarding Your Own Heart Against Scoffing
The warning against scoffers isn’t just about avoiding other people; it’s also about examining your own heart. Every believer faces the temptation to slip into a scoffing attitude, especially in areas where we feel knowledgeable or superior.
Check Your Response to Correction
How do you react when someone corrects you from Scripture? Do you receive it with humility, or do you immediately defend yourself and dismiss their input?
The scoffer’s defining characteristic is refusing correction. If you find yourself consistently rejecting rebuke, you’re walking dangerously close to becoming what you criticize.
Watch Your Words About Other Believers
Christians can scoff at other Christians who practice their faith differently. Mocking someone’s worship style, theological tradition, or approach to ministry can reveal a scoffing spirit even within the church.
Romans 14:10 challenges this attitude: “You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.” Treating fellow believers with contempt puts you on dangerous ground.
Cultivate Humility Through God’s Word
Regular time in Scripture keeps your heart soft and teachable. Psalm 119:11 declares: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
When God’s Word fills your mind, there’s less room for the pride that fuels scoffing. You remember that everything you know came as a gift from God, not through your own brilliance.
The Hope for Scoffers Who Repent
The Bible’s warnings about scoffers are severe, but God’s grace remains available to anyone who turns from mockery to faith. No scoffer has gone too far to receive forgiveness if they genuinely repent.
Paul’s Transformation Shows God’s Power
Paul persecuted Christians with murderous threats and ravaged the church. His scoffing took the form of violent opposition rather than mere words, yet God saved him and used him powerfully.
1 Timothy 1:16 captures Paul’s amazement at God’s mercy: “But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” If God could save Paul, He can save any scoffer.
Repentance Requires Genuine Humility
For a scoffer to be saved, they must acknowledge what they’ve done and turn from it completely. This means admitting they were wrong, asking God’s forgiveness, and submitting to His authority moving forward.
James 4:6-7 promises that “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Submit yourselves, then, to God.” The path from scoffing to salvation runs directly through humility and submission.
The Church Welcomes Repentant Scoffers
When someone genuinely turns from mockery to faith, the church should receive them with joy rather than suspicion. Luke 15:7 reminds us that “there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
Former scoffers often become powerful witnesses precisely because they understand the darkness they’ve been rescued from. Their testimonies carry weight with others still trapped in mockery and unbelief.
Walking in Wisdom Away from Scoffers
The Bible’s first psalm begins with a blessing for those who avoid scoffers, and that principle runs throughout Scripture. The company you keep shapes your spiritual trajectory more than almost any other factor.
Choose Your Close Friends Carefully
You don’t have to cut off all contact with unbelievers or avoid every scoffer you encounter. But your closest friendships and regular company should consist of people who encourage your faith rather than mock it.
1 Corinthians 15:33 warns plainly: “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'” Spending significant time with scoffers will eventually erode your convictions if you’re not careful.
Pursue Relationships That Build Faith
Hebrews 10:24-25 instructs believers to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”
Surround yourself with people who take God seriously, who challenge you to grow, and who speak truth into your life even when it’s uncomfortable. These relationships protect you from the scoffer’s influence.
Remain Engaged Without Being Corrupted
Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners, maintaining contact with those far from God without adopting their values or behaviors. You can do the same by staying rooted in Scripture, maintaining strong Christian friendships, and keeping clear boundaries.
The goal isn’t isolation from the world but insulation against its corrupting influence. You engage scoffers as a missionary, not as a peer who shares their contempt for sacred things.
Standing Firm When Surrounded by Scoffing
Many believers find themselves in environments where scoffing dominates. Workplaces, schools, and even families sometimes create atmospheres where mocking Christianity is the norm.
Remember Daniel’s Example
Daniel lived his entire adult life in Babylon, surrounded by people who worshiped false gods and often opposed his faith. Yet he remained faithful without compromise and respectful without conformity.
Daniel 1:8 reveals his commitment: “But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.” He drew clear lines while maintaining respectful relationships.
Speak Truth With Gentleness
1 Peter 3:15-16 gives crucial guidance for believers facing mockery: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience.”
Your tone matters as much as your content. Responding to scoffing with gentleness rather than anger often disarms the mocker and demonstrates the character of Christ.
Count the Cost of Faithfulness
Jesus never promised that following Him would be easy or popular. Matthew 5:11-12 actually promises persecution: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.”
Facing scoffers for your faith places you in the company of prophets, apostles, and Christ Himself. The mockery you endure now will be rewarded in eternity if you stand firm.
The Scoffer’s Ultimate Defeat
Scripture promises that scoffing will not continue forever. God will have the final word, and every knee will bow before Him, including those who spent their lives mocking His name.
Philippians 2:9-11 Declares Christ’s Victory
“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of