The Pest

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

I’m sure you are familiar with this idea of the “scorner” (3917b).  I believe the NASB has “scoffer”.  The Septuagint has an interesting way of expressing this, which I will have to admit, fits into the category of paraphrase or personal opinion.  They call this a “pestilent person”.

    Proverbs 22:10 (BES) Cast out a pestilent person from the council, and strife shall go out with him; for when he sits in the council he dishonours all.

That is an interesting insight.  People who do nothing but scorn or scoff definitely tend to be pests.  Think in terms of being a polluting influence.  The recommendation that is made here is that this person be kicked out.  That goes so against our concepts of warm fuzzies and being non-judgemental.  Yet there it is.  Notice that it says that “strife”  will leave when he does.

So?  There are many hard choices we have to make in life.  Too often we hide behind the idea of being kind and courteous and reject the advice.  We might apply it more often.  It will make life better for everyone.