Mocking Words

“Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger.”

Proverbs 29:8

Do you know what a mocker is? I must admit that until a few minutes ago, I couldn’t correctly define it. Thank goodness for Merriam-Webster.com:

• Mocker (n): a person who causes repeated emotional pain, distress, or annoyance to another.
• Words related to mocker: heckler, teaser, belittler, trash-talker, smart-alec, wiseguy, troublemaker, pest…
• Nearest opposite words of mocker: defender, guard, rescuer, comforter, champion…

What are your thoughts about these insights? I had to sit with them for a minute. I thought about the trash-talking I do during competitive events, the teasing I do for a laugh, and the smart remarks I throw around lest people dare to discount me.

Maybe, as far as words go, mocking ones don’t seem like the worst kind. But are they worth my breath? The Bible uses the words mock and mocker several times and never in approving terms. Jesus did not mock others. How can I resemble the antithesis of a mocker? I’d like to champion people and spend the moments I have constructively to leave others comforted. I want to guard the dignity of those around me.

Does this quick study strike a chord with you? Are there any old habits coming to mind that you’re going to change? Is there a new kind of vocabulary you’d like to expand in place of your mocking words?

“Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.”

Proverbs 22:10