Wisdom is Rewarding & Mocking is Destructive

“Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults:  whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.  Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;  rebuke the wise and they will love you.  Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;  teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.  For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.  If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;  if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer."  Proverbs 9: 7 - 12

Meaning of “Mock” : to criticize and laugh at (someone or something) for being bad, worthless, or unimportant  Mirriam-Webster

Sometimes, sarcasm & teasing can be funny & lighthearted.  However, If the person that you are “teasing” isn’t laughing with you, then what you are actually doing is  Mocking & Insulting.

Meaning of “Rebuke”  : to speak in an angry and critical way to (someone), reprove, reproach, scold, give a talking-to.  Mirriam-Webster & Thesaurus

Both rebuking & mocking is destructive and causes the other person to be defensive.  There are better ways to correct – “holding someone accountable” will cause the other person to grow and improve.

Nothing good comes from mocking – it’s destructive both to the Mocker & the One being mocked.  The one being mocked will obviously be hurt by the Mocker’s words.  The Mocker might feel guilt or shame - sometimes without even realizing it.  The Mocker is the one that suffers the most because there is no growth.  If nothing else, the constant negativity from mocking will wear down the mocker.

Meaning of “Wisdom” : knowledge that is gained by having many experiences in life       : the natural ability to understand things that most other people cannot understand         : knowledge of what is proper or reasonable : good sense or judgment.

Wisdom on the other hand is beneficial to everyone -  both to the person who is wise & to those around him/her.  Wisdom makes a person grow and become a better person.

Are you striving to be wise or a mocker?