Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 15:12, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
American Standard Version
A scoffer loveth not to be reproved; He will not go unto the wise.
World English Bible version
A scoffer doesn't love to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.
Proverbs 15:12 Meaning & Commentary
A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise. – Proverbs 15:12 (ESV)
The word ‘scoffer’ is the Hebrew word ‘luwts,’ which can also mean someone who scorns, talks arrogantly, mocks, or derides. A scoffer is someone who exhibits these characteristics. However, we need to understand that these characteristics are symptoms of the heart condition and attitude of a scoffer. It speaks of someone who thinks they “know it all” and have everything figured out.
Why would someone mock, scorn, deride, or speak arrogantly if they are humble, teachable, and willing to learn? They would not, and this is why Proverbs 15:12 firstly says that ‘a scoffer does not like to be reproved’. To be reproved means to be corrected or challenged. An example of this is if someone is making bad life decisions, such as getting involved in bad relationships, not taking their job seriously, and wasting their gifts and talents.
If this person has someone in their life who is perhaps older, wiser, and a mentor, they might reprove or correct this person – in the hopes that they start making better life choices. Some people might take the correction and reproof with a good heart and work to correct their behavior, while others (a scoffer in particular) will not receive what is said with a good heart and attitude. This is why a scoffer does not seek wisdom or “go to the wise” –they think they know it all and are not trying to learn, grow and become better.
They are the sort of people who think they “have life figured out” and “won’t let anyone tell them what to do.” When you reprove or correct a scoffer (or at least try to), you upset them – because you are essentially challenging their belief that they know it all and need anyone to help, teach or correct them. Therefore, you are wasting your time trying to help someone who believes they need no help!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 15:12 to our lives?
There is primarily a two-fold application to this verse. Firstly, if we find ourselves either developing the attitude or mindset of a scoffer – or perhaps already are. Secondly, if we deal with such people, we need to know how to handle the situation. The truth is that no one is ‘immune’ to developing a bad attitude and becoming what The Bible calls a ‘scoffer.’
This is why we are commanded to guard (or protect) our hearts: Proverbs 4:23 – Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. We are to guard our hearts so that we don’t develop a bad attitude and become a “scoffer.” First, we need to guard our thoughts – because they take root in our hearts after a while; if we allow them to go “unchecked.” For example, if we start to believe thoughts that we aren’t good enough or will never amount to anything, these thoughts eventually settle and take root in our lives, and then from these wrong beliefs, “flow the springs of life.”
If we find ourselves either on or going on this path, we must humble ourselves and renew our minds with God’s Word. This is when negative thinking patterns start to be transformed, and we begin to become receptive to The Word of God and to those who can impart into our lives. If we find ourselves surrounded by scoffers, whom we can see are completely closed off to any form of help, wisdom, or counsel – we need to be wise in our dealings and know when to speak and when not to speak.
As Jesus taught us – we need to be careful to whom we give “precious” things: Matthew 7:6 – Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word, which challenges and inspires me to go deeper in my walk with You. Please forgive me where I have allowed wrong thinking and a bad attitude in my life.
I choose today to humble myself under Your mighty hand and be receptive to teaching, correction, and rebuke. I ask for wisdom and discernment. Help me to walk wisely towards those who may not be receptive to You and Your Word. I ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
