The Gift of Scoffing

(Proverbs 22:10 KJV)  Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

What is the difference between a “scorner” (scoffer NASB) (3917b) and a person who is exercising the gift of discernment?  I believe there is a genuine conflict between the two even if the words might be identical at times.  They might even be impossible to tell apart because they often point out real problems that need to be dealt with.

I can think of two differences right out of the box.  First is attitude.  There is an arrogance in a scoffer that is based on a sense of superiority.  There is a joy in putting other people down.  You can see this in the use of humor.  Good friends can make what sound like insulting remarks and everyone thinks it is funny.  If a person on the street said the same thing there would be angry response.  The exhorter who is reproving or rebuking has a whole different attitude.  They are not speaking from superiority but from an awareness of their own failure. 

Second is the goal.  Scoffers tend to glory in division and attention to themselves.  Exhorters don’t want any glory and seek to improve the individual and the body of Christ.  Neither is satisfied with no response but want different outcomes. 

So?  Learn the difference.  One of the clues to wisdom is an ability to accept correction and a reluctance to give it.