Proverbs 22:10
Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This proverb highlights that the scorner isn't just annoying; their very presence is a disruptive force, actively causing strife and reproach. Removing them isn't merely about tidying up social circles, but about stopping the spread of poison that leads to deeper division and bitterness.
This proverb sits within a larger section of Proverbs urging wisdom and discernment in choosing companions and avoiding disruptive influences. It directly follows a warning against associating with the greedy and a counsel to follow righteousness, highlighting that the presence of a "scorner"—someone who mocks wisdom and rejects correction—inevitably breeds conflict and division. The verses that follow offer a positive contrast, describing the blessings of peace and flourishing found in wise counsel and a good reputation.
Ever felt like one person's negativity can ruin a whole group's vibe? The Bible calls this person a 'scorner' and explains exactly why they're so destructive.
The verse identifies the 'scorner' as someone who mocks what is sacred, scoffs at serious matters, and shows no respect for God or others. They are driven by self-gratification and disregard advice.
Their presence is not passive; it actively breeds:
This isn't just about general rudeness; it's about a spirit that tears down, mocks, and seeks to humiliate, creating a toxic environment wherever they go.
The solution seems simple: get rid of them. But what does 'driving out' truly mean, and why is it so effective in restoring peace?
The proverb offers a clear, decisive action: 'Drive out a scoffer.' This isn't about passive wishing; it's about active removal from your society, conversations, and community.
Why removal works:
This principle applies to families, friendships, workplaces, and even the church. Creating boundaries is essential for maintaining healthy, peace-filled environments.
Understand the original words
lets · Hebrew Noun
One who mocks, scorns wisdom, or rejects godly instruction; characterized by pride and the rejection of correction.
madon · Hebrew Noun
Contention, discord, or conflict; often produced by foolish speech or the presence of a divisive person.
qalon · Hebrew Noun
Aggressive, degrading, or insulting language; a mark of someone lacking self-control and wisdom.
Jesus instructs his followers to treat a persistent offender like a Gentile or a tax collector, essentially 'casting them out' from the community's fellowship to preserve unity and holiness.
Romans 16:17Paul urges believers to 'mark' and 'avoid' those who cause divisions and offenses, directly echoing the wisdom of removing disruptive individuals for the sake of peace.
Galatians 4:30Paul quotes Genesis, applying the principle of casting out Ishmael (the mock- er) to the spiritual reality of rejecting law-based salvation in favor of freedom in Christ.
Titus 3:10Paul advises to warn a divisive person twice and then have nothing more to do with them, reinforcing the practical application of removing persistent troublemakers.
ellicottProverbs 22:10: "Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease."
(10) The scorner.— See above on Proverbs 1:22 .
bensonProverbs 22:10: "Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease."
Proverbs 22:10 . Cast out the scorner — Avoid all society and conversation with him who neither fears God nor reverences man, but scorns all admonitions, and minds only the pleasing of himself, and the gratifying of his own lusts, which is the chief cause of most contentions; and strife and reproach shall cease — The strife and reproach wherewith he is wont to load those that either oppose…
This proverb highlights that the scorner isn't just annoying; their very presence is a disruptive force, actively causing strife and reproach. Removing them isn't merely about tidying up social circles, but about stopping the spread of poison that leads to deeper division and bitterness.
This proverb sits within a larger section of Proverbs urging wisdom and discernment in choosing companions and avoiding disruptive influences. It directly follows a warning against associating with the greedy and a counsel to follow righteousness, highlighting that the presence of a "scorner"—someone who mocks wisdom and rejects correction—inevitably breeds conflict and division. The verses that follow offer a positive contrast, describing the blessings of peace and flourishing found in wise counsel and a good reputation.
This proverb sits within a larger section of Proverbs urging wisdom and discernment in choosing companions and avoiding disruptive influences. It directly follows a warning against associating with the greedy and a counsel to follow righteousness, highlighting that the presence of a "scorner"—someone who mocks wisdom and rejects correction—inevitably breeds conflict and division. The verses that follow offer a positive contrast, describing the blessings of peace and flourishing found in wise counsel and a good reputation.
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"Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease." — This proverb highlights that the scorner isn't just annoying; their very presence is a disruptive force, actively causing strife and reproach. Removing them isn't merely about tidying up social circl…
