NOVEMBER 7, 2026
Proverbs 3:34-35
Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble. The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools.
There is an adage that says, “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” The point of this saying is to warn us about the people we choose to associate with because they will have significant influence in our lives for good or for bad. For example, if a person were to continually affiliate with thieves and liars, it is likely they would adopt some of those same bad habits. Consider that the Hebrew word translated as “scornful” might be better rendered as “mocker, scoffer.” So, if we associate with someone who has a critical spirit or the inclination to mock or scoff at truth, it is likely that we will become such a person as well. In Jewish thought, this notion is hinted at with the statement “surely He scorns the scornful.”
Expounding this idea, Solomon warns us that if we were to be such a person, we should expect to be repaid for our actions in like manner. In other words, if we scoff and ridicule, we will be mocked and ridiculed when we fall, which we will certainly will if we follow such a path. On the other hand, if we were to do the opposite and associate humble and upright people, we would be inspired to follow their good example. Rather than mock and scorn the truth, we would behave with humility and righteousness and honor those who merit such. Consequently, God would grant us favor and see to it that others would appreciate us as we have appreciated our peers.
It should be noted that those who have the tendency to scoff and mock are typically arrogant people, and we know what the Bible has to say about the pride of the wicked. Unless repentant, their fate is certain; in the words of Solomon, “shame shall be the legacy of fools.” In sharp contrast are the humble and wise who, according to the Scripture, obtain favor and grace both in the eyes of God and in the eyes of men. So then, even though we live in a world filled with mockery, cynicism and general disdain for truth, faith and other such noble virtues, may we continue to be faithful and confident of God’s goodness; may we continue to stand in and stand for what is truth and not be dissuaded by the ravings of the scornful.