“Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 21:24
What does Proverbs 21:24 mean?
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Proverbs 21:24
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This verse highlights that the "scorner" isn't just someone who mocks others; their scorn is actually a symptom of their "arrogant pride." Their entire way of operating, their "dealings," are driven by an excess of self-importance and a refusal to be corrected.
“Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is a sharp rebuke within a larger section of Proverbs focused on the consequences of wickedness and the wisdom of righteousness. It directly follows verses warning against the deceitful ways of the wicked, highlighting how their pride blinds them. The passage emphasizes that this arrogant "scoffer" doesn't just act prideful, but their very identity is wrapped up in that haughty defiance.
Some people just have a reputation, right? The Bible says that for the arrogant and haughty, their reputation isn't just a label – it's their defining identity.
This verse reveals that 'scoffer' isn't just a description of what someone does, but who they are. The Hebrew word translated 'scoffer' points to someone who contemns, despises, or mocks.
Who They Are
The verse uses a powerful parallel structure: 'Proud and haughty is the man, scorner is his name.' This isn't accidental. It tells us that arrogance and haughtiness are the root of their scoffing. Their pride fuels their contempt for others and for truth.
Their Undeserved Reputation
Instead of gaining the respect they crave, these individuals earn a name that is ultimately contemptible. Their pride, which they think makes them look superior, actually makes them look foolish and hateful to those around them.
What does it look like when arrogance isn't just a feeling, but an action? This verse points to a dangerous way these individuals operate.
The second half of the verse describes how the arrogant scoffer acts: 'who acts with arrogant pride.' This isn't just a casual mention; it unpacks the destructive energy behind their attitude.
Beyond Mere Anger
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The original language suggests not just simple anger, but an 'overflowing' or 'unbridled' excess. It's a passionate, unrestrained expression of their haughty spirit. Think of it as pride bubbling over into action, often in the form of harsh words, dismissive attitudes, or even outright aggression.
Driven by Self, Not Reason
This 'proud wrath' means their dealings aren't governed by justice, reason, or truth. Instead, their own inflated sense of self dictates their behavior. They operate from a place of unchecked ego, making them unpredictable and dangerous to be around.
Understand the original words
letz · Hebrew Noun
An insulting or cynical person who rejects wisdom and truth, often characterized by a mocking attitude toward God and others.
zadon · Hebrew Noun
Excessive self-esteem and self-reliance that rejects submission to God; it is the root of prideful and sinful behavior.
This passage describes the 'scoffer' as one who 'sits in the seat of the scoffers,' directly linking to the arrogant and haughty attitude highlighted in Proverbs 21:24 and showing the progression of such a heart.
Proverbs 16:18This verse states 'Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall,' reinforcing the idea that the arrogance of the 'scoffer' described in Proverbs 21:24 leads to inevitable downfall.
James 4:6James echoes the sentiment of Proverbs 21:24 by saying God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble, underscoring that the 'proud and haughty scorner' stands against God's favor.
1 Peter 5:5This passage directly commands believers to 'clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble,'' mirroring the core message about the negative character of prideful scorn.
bensonProverbs 21:24: "Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath."
Proverbs 21:24 . Proud and haughty scorner is his name, &c. — Instead of that respect and glory, which he seeks by such a practice, he shall be branded with the title and imputation of an arrogant and scornful person; who dealeth in proud wrath — Who, in the conduct of his affairs and dealings in the world, is not governed by reason and justice, but by his own pride and passions.
pulpitProverbs 21:24: "Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath."
Verse 24. - Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. (For "scorner" (לצ), the esprit fort, the freethinking sceptic of Solomon's day, see notes on Proverbs 1:22 and Proverbs 14:6.) The verse is better translated, A proud, arrogant man, scoffer is his name, who worketh in superfluity of pride. עֶבְרָה (ebrah), translated "wrath," denotes also want of moderation, excess, presumption (see…
This verse highlights that the "scorner" isn't just someone who mocks others; their scorn is actually a symptom of their "arrogant pride." Their entire way of operating, their "dealings," are driven by an excess of self-importance and a refusal to be corrected.
This verse is a sharp rebuke within a larger section of Proverbs focused on the consequences of wickedness and the wisdom of righteousness. It directly follows verses warning against the deceitful ways of the wicked, highlighting how their pride blinds them. The passage emphasizes that this arrogant "scoffer" doesn't just act prideful, but their very identity is wrapped up in that haughty defiance.
This verse is a sharp rebuke within a larger section of Proverbs focused on the consequences of wickedness and the wisdom of righteousness. It directly follows verses warning against the deceitful ways of the wicked, highlighting how their pride blinds them. The passage emphasizes that this arrogant "scoffer" doesn't just act prideful, but their very identity is wrapped up in that haughty defiance.
"“Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride." — This verse highlights that the "scorner" isn't just someone who mocks others; their scorn is actually a symptom of their "arrogant pride." Their entire way of operating, their "dealings," are driven…
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Last reviewed October 2026