December 23
PROVERBS 24
8 Whoever plans to do evil
will be called a schemer.
9 The devising of folly is sin,
and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind.
– Proverbs 24:8-9
PROVERBS 24 AVOID SCHEMERS AND SCOFFERS
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When you serve the Lord Jesus Christ
Think and speak only of things that bring life
Do not associate with those who are wicked
Avoid schemers and scoffers; they plot evil
Strengthen your heart and mind with God’s truth
Meditate on it day and night so it is able to take root
When you stay away from these kinds of people
You will be on your way to grow and bear fruits.
According to the Cambridge dictionary, a schemer is someone who makes clever, secret plans, often to deceive others. He is someone who always finds a way of getting what he wants. A scoffer is one who mocks, ridicules, or scorns the belief of another. In the bible, he is also called the arrogant, the haughty or the prideful. They have overly inflated opinions of themselves. They do not care about anyone but themselves. In our pop culture, these people are called “narcissists.” They are those who manipulate others in order to get their wants and needs met covertly. They do not ask for what they want or need. They hide it for shame of being found out how insecure and phoney they are. They want others to view them as perfect. This way, they can keep their false image and not have to be accountable to their responsibilities and roles.
Solomon warns us to stay away from schemers and scoffers. They destroy lives and perpetuate the cycle of power and corruption and evil. They have no empathy for others but they only use people to get their needs and wants fulfilled. They use and abuse others.
REFLECTION
• Share some experiences you had with schemers and scoffers.
