February 15

Feb 15 - Today from Proverbs 15 we look at verse 12
"A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise"

Mocker. The KJV also interprets this word as 'scoffer' and 'scorner'. The Hebrew word is 'luwts' and according to Strong's Concordance, the literal interpretation it is "to make mouths". Now there's a word picture for you. A mocker is an attitude with a mouth. Some mockers are very easy to spot - you don't have to be too concerned with them because everyone has their number. But some mockers are dangerous. These are people who give the impression that they have it all together and that their opinions carry a lot of weight. Whether covert or bold, they always have an agenda, and it is THEIR agenda. People who are not using wisdom as their guide can be quickly influenced by these kinds of mockers. They have the ability to build support bases for their opinions and can become a nuisance, if not a destructive force. Because their agendas are often so subtle, it may be difficult to detect these types of mockers on a short-term basis. In the long term the fruit of their ways will betray them, but it is often too late for those who were drawn into their schemes.
If one is a student of wisdom, this proverb helps to identify mockers and thus the student will be less prone to get caught up in the agenda of a mocker. The first indicator that one may be a mocker is that they resent correction. When others in authority attempt to dialogue with them to show perhaps some danger or error in their thinking, they become offended and resentful. They show little, if any respect for authority which opposes their agenda. They usually have very good reasons for their opposition to authority, but it is seldom, if ever, based on the wisdom which comes from above (James 3:17).
To be fair, we can all arrive at this place at some time in life. We are convinced that we are standing for something that is worth fighting for and we will oppose authority if we must in order to see it through. Have you been there? I have. The second indicator that one may be a true mocker is that they refuse to consult the wise to see if their opposition has merit. Mockers don't consult - they campaign. If they do 'consult', it is with people who already agree with them. They will not seek out people who have a reputation of wisdom who might oppose their agendas. They are already convinced they are right and don't want to 'waste their time' consulting with people who may disagree.
Based on the purposes of the Proverbs, I believe this verse is given in order that we may be discerning of mockers in our midst. We are not to judge them, but we are to be careful not to be influenced by them. If there is controversy or conflict in the atmosphere, there is usually at least one mocker-type associated with it. We are to discipline ourselves to rely on the Word of God, the leaders, and those with reputations of displaying wisdom. If we will do this, chances are very good that we will not get pulled into harmful and wounding agendas.
And, as with any portion of scripture, if we see ourselves in this verse, then we have some heart-rending confession and repentance to go through. God doesn't want to punish us, He wants to forgive and correct us so that our lives will be fruitful and full of integrity. That's the reason for the cross.