Lexicon :: Strong's H3887 - lûṣ

“My friends are scoffers [who ridicule];

My eye pours out tears to God.

“If there is an angel as a mediator for him,

One out of a thousand,

To explain to a man what is right for him [that is, how to be in right standing with God],

[fn]Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example],

Nor stand in the path of sinners,

Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of [fn]scoffers (ridiculers).

The arrogant utterly ridicule me,

Yet I do not turn away from Your law.

“How long, O naive ones [you who are easily misled], will you love being simple-minded and undiscerning?

How long will scoffers [who ridicule and deride] delight in scoffing,

How long will fools [who obstinately mock truth] hate knowledge?

Though He scoffs at the scoffers and scorns the scorners,

Yet He gives His grace [His undeserved favor] to the humble [those who give up self-importance].

He who corrects and instructs a scoffer gets dishonor for himself,

And he who rebukes a wicked man gets insults for himself.

If you are wise, you are wise for yourself [for your own benefit];

If you scoff [thoughtlessly ridicule and disdain], you alone will pay the penalty.

A wise son heeds and accepts [and is the result of] his father’s discipline and instruction,

But a scoffer does not listen to reprimand and does not learn from his errors.

A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none [for his ears are closed to wisdom],

But knowledge is easy for one who understands [because he is willing to learn].

Fools mock sin [but sin mocks the fools],

But among the upright there is good will and the favor and blessing of God.

A scoffer [unlike a wise man] resents one who rebukes him and tries to teach him;

Nor will he go to the wise [for counsel and instruction].

Strike a scoffer [for refusing to learn], and the naive may [be warned and] become prudent;

Reprimand one who has understanding and a teachable spirit, and he will gain knowledge and insight.

A wicked and worthless witness mocks justice,

And the mouth of the wicked spreads iniquity.

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a riotous brawler;

And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.

When the scoffer is punished, the naive [observes the lesson and] becomes wise;

But when the wise and teachable person is instructed, he receives knowledge.

“Proud,” “Haughty,” “Scoffer,” are his names

Who acts with overbearing and insolent pride.

Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go away;

Even strife and dishonor will cease.

The devising of folly is sin,

And the scoffer is repulsive to men.

Now do not carry on as scoffers,

Or the bands which bind you will be made stronger;

For I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts [a decree]

Of decisive destruction on all the earth.

For the tyrant will come to an end and the scorner will be finished,

Indeed all who are intent on doing evil will be cut off—

“Your first father [Jacob] sinned,

And your spokesmen [the priests and the prophets—your mediators] have transgressed against Me.