Proverbs 22:10
Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.
Original Language Analysis
גָּ֣רֵֽשׁ
Cast out
H1644
גָּ֣רֵֽשׁ
Cast out
Strong's:
H1644
Word #:
1 of 7
to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce
לֵ֭ץ
the scorner
H3887
לֵ֭ץ
the scorner
Strong's:
H3887
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, to make mouths at, i.e., to scoff; hence (from the effort to pronounce a foreign language) to interpret, or (generally) intercede
וְיֵצֵ֣א
shall go out
H3318
וְיֵצֵ֣א
shall go out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
3 of 7
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
וְ֝יִשְׁבֹּ֗ת
shall cease
H7673
וְ֝יִשְׁבֹּ֗ת
shall cease
Strong's:
H7673
Word #:
5 of 7
to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)
Cross References
Proverbs 21:24Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.1 Corinthians 5:13But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.Psalms 101:5Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.Nehemiah 13:28And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son in law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me.
Historical Context
Israelite communities could excommunicate persistent troublemakers. Paul commanded expelling the immoral man from Corinth (1 Corinthians 5) to protect the congregation.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you enabling a scorner's destructive influence by refusing appropriate boundaries?
- How can the church balance pursuing peace with maintaining necessary discipline?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Removing the 'scorner' (mocker of wisdom) from the community eliminates a source of 'contention' (strife, conflict). His departure brings peace: 'yea, strife and reproach shall cease.' The scorner doesn't merely hold wrong opinions but actively sows discord and mocks righteousness. Such people poison communities through cynicism, criticism, and contempt. Sometimes peace requires exclusion of those who persistently generate conflict. Church discipline and social boundaries serve this function—protecting communities from toxic influence. This isn't hatred but necessary protection. The body's health requires removing infections. While we pursue peace, we cannot sacrifice truth or community health to achieve pseudo-unity with unrepentant scorners.