AP

Day 33: Slander and scoffing – part 2

“And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him (Mark 15:20).” Jesus, the Son of God, was mocked, slandered and scorned; yet by His stripes we are healed. He prayed for the Roman soldiers, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34).”

When scoffers are disciplined, then those who are wise learn from their punishment (Prov. 19:25). Be careful of saying too much to someone with a loose tongue. Such a person will reveal secrets and cause trouble (Prov. 20:19). Arrogance, haughtiness and pride are sins of the heart and mind that all show themselves in scoffing (Prov. 21:24). The scoffer stirs up the mud of division, quarrelling and abuse (Prov. 22:10). The New Testament warns us, “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone (2 Tim. 2:23-24).” Quarreling is below a Christian. May God forgive us this sin and may we seek not to quarrel with others.

The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.

– Prov. 18:8

Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

– Prov. 19:25

Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and beating for the backs of fools.

– Prov. 19:29

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.

– Prov. 20:19

When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.

– Prov. 21:11

 “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.

– Prov. 21:24

Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarrelling and abuse will cease.

– Prov. 22:10

Father God, when we scoff, mock, belittle and scorn, our words are poison words that will only cause strife and quarrelling. Please forgive us our sin. Help us to speak only words that are honouring to You. The Lord’s servant is not to quarrel.

Jesus, thank You that You endured the Cross, knowing that there was great joy to follow. You despised the shame of the Cross and, alive, You are now seated at the right hand of God the Father.

Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing to You, O LORD, our Rock and our Redeemer.

In Jesus’ Name we ask this,

Amen.

– Graham Barnes