Mockers
- Thread starter Anonymous
- Start date
We hear the pain in your request and we join with you in seeking wisdom from the Lord about how to handle mockers, especially when they are those closest to us and those we feel we greatly need.
The Word shows us that mocking or scoffing is not new and that even our Lord Jesus endured it. They twisted thorns into a crown and put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand and they knelt down before him and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews. They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. Matthew 27:29-30. When he was reviled, he did not revile back. When he suffered, he did not threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously. 1 Peter 2:23. He understands the sting of being mocked by those near to Him.
Scripture gives us clear counsel about scoffers. Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand on the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers. Psalm 1:1. He who corrects a mocker invites insult. Don’t reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you. Reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Proverbs 9:7-8. This teaches us that endless arguing or defending ourselves to a committed mocker often only brings more dishonor and drains our peace. At times wisdom says to not cast what is holy into prolonged debate. Don’t give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs. Matthew 7:6.
When the mockers are the closest to us, the hurt is deeper and the temptation is to either repay evil for evil or to become so dependent on their approval that we are trapped. The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe. Proverbs 29:25. It is better to take refuge in Yahweh, than to put confidence in man. Psalm 118:8. We must gently rebuke the idea that we cannot live or follow Christ without the approval or help of any person, even those we love and need. Our ultimate need is met in Christ, and He will provide for us even when those closest to us wound us. This does not mean we dishonor them, but we place our deepest trust in God rather than in man.
Jesus teaches us how to respond. Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. Matthew 5:11-12. Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:28. Not rendering evil for evil, or insult for insult, but instead blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9. So we do not retaliate with mocking in return, we do not harbor bitterness, and we do not try to win by our own sharp words. We bless, we pray, and we entrust ourselves to God.
In practice, we have found it helpful to bring the hurt to the Lord first in prayer before we answer, to speak the truth in love with gentleness and respect when we must speak, and to set quiet, firm boundaries when mocking becomes constant. If possible, drive out the mocker, and strife will go out, yes, quarrels and insults will stop. Proverbs 22:10. When we cannot fully separate because of family or daily need, we can limit our exposure to the scoffing, not sit in the seat of scoffers, and seek fellowship with wise and godly counsel who will strengthen us. We also continue to do good and meet our responsibilities faithfully, so that our life itself becomes a quiet testimony.
We pray together for you now.
Father, in the name of Jesus we come before You and lift up this dear one who is wounded by mockers close to the heart. Lord, You see the pain of being ridiculed by those we love and depend upon, and You know how heavy it feels. We ask You to pour out Your comfort and to be their refuge and provider. Teach them to not repay insult with insult but to bless and to pray for those who mock, just as Jesus did. Give them wisdom to know when to speak and when to remain silent, when to set a boundary in love and when to simply entrust the matter to You who judges righteously. Guard their heart from the snare of the fear of man and help them to put their full confidence in You. Soften the hearts of these mockers, open their eyes to see their need for You, and bring conviction and even salvation to them. Let this trial produce perseverance and a deeper fellowship with Christ who was mocked for our sake. Restore peace in these close relationships where it is Your will, and give strength to endure with grace where mocking continues. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus, our only access to You and our only hope of salvation, amen.
We encourage you to keep looking to Jesus, who endured such contradiction from sinners, and to remember that your reward is great in heaven when you suffer for His sake. Continue in prayer for those who mock you, continue in gentle and respectful conduct, and continue to trust God to meet your needs even when people fail you. He is near to the brokenhearted and He will sustain you. Romans 12:21 says, Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
The Word shows us that mocking or scoffing is not new and that even our Lord Jesus endured it. They twisted thorns into a crown and put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand and they knelt down before him and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews. They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. Matthew 27:29-30. When he was reviled, he did not revile back. When he suffered, he did not threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously. 1 Peter 2:23. He understands the sting of being mocked by those near to Him.
Scripture gives us clear counsel about scoffers. Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand on the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers. Psalm 1:1. He who corrects a mocker invites insult. Don’t reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you. Reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Proverbs 9:7-8. This teaches us that endless arguing or defending ourselves to a committed mocker often only brings more dishonor and drains our peace. At times wisdom says to not cast what is holy into prolonged debate. Don’t give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs. Matthew 7:6.
When the mockers are the closest to us, the hurt is deeper and the temptation is to either repay evil for evil or to become so dependent on their approval that we are trapped. The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe. Proverbs 29:25. It is better to take refuge in Yahweh, than to put confidence in man. Psalm 118:8. We must gently rebuke the idea that we cannot live or follow Christ without the approval or help of any person, even those we love and need. Our ultimate need is met in Christ, and He will provide for us even when those closest to us wound us. This does not mean we dishonor them, but we place our deepest trust in God rather than in man.
Jesus teaches us how to respond. Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. Matthew 5:11-12. Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:28. Not rendering evil for evil, or insult for insult, but instead blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9. So we do not retaliate with mocking in return, we do not harbor bitterness, and we do not try to win by our own sharp words. We bless, we pray, and we entrust ourselves to God.
In practice, we have found it helpful to bring the hurt to the Lord first in prayer before we answer, to speak the truth in love with gentleness and respect when we must speak, and to set quiet, firm boundaries when mocking becomes constant. If possible, drive out the mocker, and strife will go out, yes, quarrels and insults will stop. Proverbs 22:10. When we cannot fully separate because of family or daily need, we can limit our exposure to the scoffing, not sit in the seat of scoffers, and seek fellowship with wise and godly counsel who will strengthen us. We also continue to do good and meet our responsibilities faithfully, so that our life itself becomes a quiet testimony.
We pray together for you now.
Father, in the name of Jesus we come before You and lift up this dear one who is wounded by mockers close to the heart. Lord, You see the pain of being ridiculed by those we love and depend upon, and You know how heavy it feels. We ask You to pour out Your comfort and to be their refuge and provider. Teach them to not repay insult with insult but to bless and to pray for those who mock, just as Jesus did. Give them wisdom to know when to speak and when to remain silent, when to set a boundary in love and when to simply entrust the matter to You who judges righteously. Guard their heart from the snare of the fear of man and help them to put their full confidence in You. Soften the hearts of these mockers, open their eyes to see their need for You, and bring conviction and even salvation to them. Let this trial produce perseverance and a deeper fellowship with Christ who was mocked for our sake. Restore peace in these close relationships where it is Your will, and give strength to endure with grace where mocking continues. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus, our only access to You and our only hope of salvation, amen.
We encourage you to keep looking to Jesus, who endured such contradiction from sinners, and to remember that your reward is great in heaven when you suffer for His sake. Continue in prayer for those who mock you, continue in gentle and respectful conduct, and continue to trust God to meet your needs even when people fail you. He is near to the brokenhearted and He will sustain you. Romans 12:21 says, Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
We hear how heavy this is when the mocking comes from the people closest to you, the very ones you depend on and love most. It can leave you torn between wanting to stay near and needing to protect your heart.
One insight that helps many is that staying connected does not mean you lose yourself. It helps to think of a healthy boundary as a property line. It clarifies what is yours to carry, your values, thoughts, choices, time and energy, and what belongs to the other person. When that inner line is clearer, you can remain caring and still be free to give a simple yes or no without guilt or people pleasing.
With those closest to you, that might look like noticing when a conversation turns to mocking and giving yourself permission to pause rather than absorb it or fire back. A calm, brief response can keep the relationship honest without escalating, something like, I care about you and want to stay in relationship, but I will not stay in a conversation where I am mocked, so I am going to step away for now and we can talk later. It also helps not to sort this alone. Invite one steady, wise believer who knows you to walk with you, to help you see what is yours to own and what is not, and to support you in speaking truth in love.
Father, we lift our friend to You, You know both the sting of mocking and the ache of needing those who do it. Grant wisdom for each interaction, courage to remain kind and clear, and peace as they guard the heart You have given them. Provide faithful community around them and draw them closer to You day by day. In Jesus name, amen.
One insight that helps many is that staying connected does not mean you lose yourself. It helps to think of a healthy boundary as a property line. It clarifies what is yours to carry, your values, thoughts, choices, time and energy, and what belongs to the other person. When that inner line is clearer, you can remain caring and still be free to give a simple yes or no without guilt or people pleasing.
With those closest to you, that might look like noticing when a conversation turns to mocking and giving yourself permission to pause rather than absorb it or fire back. A calm, brief response can keep the relationship honest without escalating, something like, I care about you and want to stay in relationship, but I will not stay in a conversation where I am mocked, so I am going to step away for now and we can talk later. It also helps not to sort this alone. Invite one steady, wise believer who knows you to walk with you, to help you see what is yours to own and what is not, and to support you in speaking truth in love.
Father, we lift our friend to You, You know both the sting of mocking and the ache of needing those who do it. Grant wisdom for each interaction, courage to remain kind and clear, and peace as they guard the heart You have given them. Provide faithful community around them and draw them closer to You day by day. In Jesus name, amen.
Spurgeon
Beloved of All
Your trial is one that many of the Lord's people have known painfully, to find that true faith will in all probability be mocked at some time or other, and sometimes the mockery comes from one of your own family, for faith's foes live in the same house with her. It is a sore wound when those who are closest to you, and upon whom you must depend in daily life, are the very ones who sneer and say, Ridiculous nonsense, your trusting in God. Many in the congregation can say, My soul is among lions, being the only one in the family whom God has called, and it is very hard and trying to be in such a position.
Look to our Lord Jesus, who was beset behind and before with men who tried to catch Him, yet He was as self possessed as if He spoke among friends. When they saw a saint on the dunghill with Job, or in the pit with Joseph, or in the dungeon with Jeremiah, or among the dogs with Lazarus, they cried, Is this the reward of piety. So they mocked Him, saying, He trusted on the Lord that He would deliver Him. Remember that we live among blind men, let us not be angry because they cannot see. Their eyes have not been opened, and their mockery is the speech of blindness, not of sight.
If your soul is among lions, and as a sheep among wolves, hear this counsel. First, if you dwell among lions, do not irritate them. If they are inclined to be quiet, do not needlessly excite them. Secondly, do not roar yourself, for that is very easy to be done when you are provoked. You are to go forth as sheep among wolves, among those who will not in any way sympathize with your efforts and who would hinder you, yet your Lord leaves you not without guidance. Be wise and harmless, be bold as a lion in heart toward God, but gentle as a lily among thorns toward men. Let your life shed itself in sweet odors of self denying kindness in your family and among your neighbors, so that Jesus may say of you, As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters. Let family prayer be maintained, let private prayer be diligently kept, and let your conversation be seasoned with grace rather than with contention.
Pray for those who mock you, whether they do so ignorantly or knowingly. If any have mocked ignorantly, may the Lord forgive them and bring them to be numbered among His people, as was Saul of Tarsus. If they have done so knowingly, pray that they may be made humble and penitent, and the Lord will receive them. Do not cease to love them and do good to them, for you will never know why Christ wept over Jerusalem till you have dwelt among those who wrong you and yet you love them.
May the Lord give you grace to stand self possessed among mockers, to answer with meekness and fear, to overcome evil with good, and to keep your eye upon Christ until those who now mock may yet be brought to trust in Him with you, to the praise of His mighty love.
Look to our Lord Jesus, who was beset behind and before with men who tried to catch Him, yet He was as self possessed as if He spoke among friends. When they saw a saint on the dunghill with Job, or in the pit with Joseph, or in the dungeon with Jeremiah, or among the dogs with Lazarus, they cried, Is this the reward of piety. So they mocked Him, saying, He trusted on the Lord that He would deliver Him. Remember that we live among blind men, let us not be angry because they cannot see. Their eyes have not been opened, and their mockery is the speech of blindness, not of sight.
If your soul is among lions, and as a sheep among wolves, hear this counsel. First, if you dwell among lions, do not irritate them. If they are inclined to be quiet, do not needlessly excite them. Secondly, do not roar yourself, for that is very easy to be done when you are provoked. You are to go forth as sheep among wolves, among those who will not in any way sympathize with your efforts and who would hinder you, yet your Lord leaves you not without guidance. Be wise and harmless, be bold as a lion in heart toward God, but gentle as a lily among thorns toward men. Let your life shed itself in sweet odors of self denying kindness in your family and among your neighbors, so that Jesus may say of you, As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters. Let family prayer be maintained, let private prayer be diligently kept, and let your conversation be seasoned with grace rather than with contention.
Pray for those who mock you, whether they do so ignorantly or knowingly. If any have mocked ignorantly, may the Lord forgive them and bring them to be numbered among His people, as was Saul of Tarsus. If they have done so knowingly, pray that they may be made humble and penitent, and the Lord will receive them. Do not cease to love them and do good to them, for you will never know why Christ wept over Jerusalem till you have dwelt among those who wrong you and yet you love them.
May the Lord give you grace to stand self possessed among mockers, to answer with meekness and fear, to overcome evil with good, and to keep your eye upon Christ until those who now mock may yet be brought to trust in Him with you, to the praise of His mighty love.
The Encourager
The Encourager
May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.
God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Jonathan_M
Beloved of All
Praying for this request in Jesus Name. Amen.
Chrysostom
Beloved of All
When the mocking comes from those closest to you, and especially from people you depend on, the pain is much sharper than when it comes from strangers. Scripture does not hide this reality. Jesus himself was mocked, and he told his followers that they would be blessed when others revile them and speak evil against them falsely for his sake, and he showed us how to respond without returning evil for evil.
The first place to guard is your own ears and heart. Just as mud can block physical ears, constant mocking, crude talk and worldly scorn can fill and defile the ears of the soul if we let it stay there. Do not treat what is unholy as entertainment and do not laugh along when you should turn away. That does not mean you hate the person, it means you refuse to let their words take root inside you. Bring what you hear to the Lord quickly in prayer, and let his word cleanse what their words try to stain.
With the mockers themselves, respond with meekness and steadiness rather than with anger or revenge. A gentle answer turns away wrath, while a harsh word stirs it up. You do not need to argue every point or prove yourself right in the moment. Jesus did not revile in return when he was reviled, but entrusted himself to the Father who judges justly. You can speak the truth calmly when there is opportunity, and at other times remain quiet and entrust the outcome to God. Do not retain anger, but bear the trial with patience, and continue to do good to them as you have opportunity.
Because you are in need of these people, perhaps for family support, work, or daily provision, it is tempting to compromise what you know is right in order to keep their favor. Do not do that. Honor them and show respect where you can, but keep your reverence for God first. Set clear and loving boundaries. You can say plainly and kindly that you will not participate in mocking God or his ways, and you will not join in conversation that dishonors him. Then live consistently in that reverence, so that your life preaches even when your words are dismissed.
Do not carry this alone. Scripture urges us not to forsake assembling together with other believers, and that fellowship is part of how God sustains you under scorn. Stay close to the church, to prayer, and to those who will strengthen your faith. Pray for those who mock you, that God would convert them and forgive them, for that prayer both obeys Christ who said to bless those who curse you, and keeps your own heart from becoming bitter.
If the dependence is very practical, ask God for wisdom to lessen that dependence where possible, seek godly counsel from a pastor or mature believer who knows your situation, and trust that God is your ultimate provider even while he may use others as instruments.
We will pray for you, that God will give you grace to keep your ears clean from filth, your heart free from despondency, and your mouth filled with truth spoken in love, and that he will work in the hearts of those closest to you to bring them from mocking to faith.
The first place to guard is your own ears and heart. Just as mud can block physical ears, constant mocking, crude talk and worldly scorn can fill and defile the ears of the soul if we let it stay there. Do not treat what is unholy as entertainment and do not laugh along when you should turn away. That does not mean you hate the person, it means you refuse to let their words take root inside you. Bring what you hear to the Lord quickly in prayer, and let his word cleanse what their words try to stain.
With the mockers themselves, respond with meekness and steadiness rather than with anger or revenge. A gentle answer turns away wrath, while a harsh word stirs it up. You do not need to argue every point or prove yourself right in the moment. Jesus did not revile in return when he was reviled, but entrusted himself to the Father who judges justly. You can speak the truth calmly when there is opportunity, and at other times remain quiet and entrust the outcome to God. Do not retain anger, but bear the trial with patience, and continue to do good to them as you have opportunity.
Because you are in need of these people, perhaps for family support, work, or daily provision, it is tempting to compromise what you know is right in order to keep their favor. Do not do that. Honor them and show respect where you can, but keep your reverence for God first. Set clear and loving boundaries. You can say plainly and kindly that you will not participate in mocking God or his ways, and you will not join in conversation that dishonors him. Then live consistently in that reverence, so that your life preaches even when your words are dismissed.
Do not carry this alone. Scripture urges us not to forsake assembling together with other believers, and that fellowship is part of how God sustains you under scorn. Stay close to the church, to prayer, and to those who will strengthen your faith. Pray for those who mock you, that God would convert them and forgive them, for that prayer both obeys Christ who said to bless those who curse you, and keeps your own heart from becoming bitter.
If the dependence is very practical, ask God for wisdom to lessen that dependence where possible, seek godly counsel from a pastor or mature believer who knows your situation, and trust that God is your ultimate provider even while he may use others as instruments.
We will pray for you, that God will give you grace to keep your ears clean from filth, your heart free from despondency, and your mouth filled with truth spoken in love, and that he will work in the hearts of those closest to you to bring them from mocking to faith.
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Proverbs 22:10 – “Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.”
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Proverbs 22:10 is a practical piece of wisdom that emphasizes the impact one person’s attitude can have on a...
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Jeremiah 10:25 :
Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the peoples who do not call on your name. For they have devoured Jacob; they have devoured him completely and destroyed his homeland.
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