Devotion November 22 2013

“Cast out the scorner and contention will leave; yes strife and reproach will cease.” (NKJV) Proverbs 22:10

My husband invested time hanging out with a childhood friend. “If I spend time with him then maybe his eyes will begin to open.” The friend continued to scoff at our life – picking and jabbing at any moment that presented itself. I quit going early into the relationship.

It took several years and multiple encounters with strife, reproach and discord (brought home after the visit) before my husband was willing to abandon the relationship as well. It still bothers my husband, but you will never force hope on a life determined to drag down everyone it encounters.

Scorners are a dangerous breed. They use words as weapons and those words pierce deeper than any sword or spear. Get away from the mocking, scoffing and scorning – the sarcastic and unnecessary words thrown at you “in jest” but with a true heart of malice.

Getting Away from Scorn

1. Watch your own words. Sometimes the scorning begins in your own heart.
2. Be honest. “I will not participate if this continues. It hurts me.”
3. Make the choice. Getting away from scorn may not always be easy or comfortable, but you have to be determined (and consistent) in your choice.

If it is not good, encouraging or uplifting, then it is probably not the best investment for your resources. If you seek that like of peace in joy then get away from the scorner and seek out the positive things that will build life.