Proverbs 22:10 (KJV)
Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.
Our anchor Scripture emphatically admonishes us to throw out the mocker, and we will eliminate tension, fighting, and quarrels. It emphasizes the importance of removing negative influences from our lives. When we distance ourselves from those who are critical, mocking, or divisive, we create a more peaceful and harmonious environment. A single disruptive person can cause a lot of conflict and stress, and removing that influence can restore calm and unity for the company we keep, or the relationships we seek should uplift and support us. By distancing ourselves from such negativity, we can foster a more peaceful and harmonious environment. Proverbs 26:21 says, “As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.” Just as pruning away dead branches ensures that a tree thrives, actively removing sources of negativity from our lives is essential for our personal growth and flourishing. Cutting out these detrimental influences can redirect our energy toward more positive and productive pursuits, ultimately enhancing our well-being and potential.
On the path to success or higher glory, there will be discouragers, mockers, and dream killers who will laugh at us. However, we are not to listen to their discouraging words or laughter, for God is a specialist at disgracing mockers and giving His children the last laugh. Jesus Christ faced considerable mockery throughout His earthly ministry, including from His own family. It is noteworthy that many of His relatives did not recognize His true identity or divine mission until after His resurrection, a stark reflection of the disbelief that initially surrounded Him. In Mark 5:36-41, Jesus threw out those who were laughing except the parents, Peter, James, and John, when He said the child was not dead but sleeping. Jesus knew that for the miracle to happen, He needed people around Him who believed and would not mock. In Genesis 21, Sarah demanded that Ishmael and her mother be thrown out when she found out about Ishmael mocking Isaac. As Christians, we must see the spiritual significance of casting out mockers. We must prepare for failure the moment we surround ourselves with people who are always laughing at our vision. Many people have failed because instead of putting out the mockers in their lives, they want to keep and manage them. Proverbs 14:6-7 says, “The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.”
Beloved, to be successful in anything your hand finds to do, you have to be bold and cast out every mocker in that business, regardless of who they are (family included). As a pastor, never be afraid to cast out mockers in your church because if you don’t, they will destroy your reputation and scatter the flock God entrusted you. Do not join any scorner to despise prophecy, neglect, or reject God’s truth from His ministers. It would be very wise not to hang around those who are mockers. Don’t get me wrong, because as a Christian, you are to try and help others get saved and better, but if you allow mockers around your life, they will destroy your heart (weaken your faith) and confession. The phrase “bad company corrupts good character” emphasizes the impact of peer influence on individual ethics. Similarly, “Tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are” reflects how social relationships shape identity, a concept explored extensively in social psychology. So, cast out the mocker, and there will be peace. Set boundaries with specific individuals or even address your own critical thoughts and behaviors. Reflect on any areas in your life where negativity seems to be causing unrest. You can cultivate a more supportive and nurturing environment by making space for positive influences. Every evil expectation of your mockers shall be disappointed in Jesus’ Name! You shall laugh from now on. Remember, anyone who does not contribute to your progress or encourage you in any way is an excess luggage. Do away with them.
O Lord, give me the wisdom to cast out all mockers in my life in Jesus’ Name.