Mockery Week: When God Mocks

“He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.” (Proverbs 3:34)

Wait a minute! If mocking is so wrong, why does God do it? Or to spin it around: God only does holy things, so how can mocking be wrong? Short answer: We’re not God.

mock_350Long answer: Sinful mocking is a sin of pride. It’s not just saying, “You’re wrong on this point.” It is saying, “You’re stupid, and I’m smarter (or more athletic or better looking or more ethical) than you.” When people mock God or his truth, especially, that mockery reveals a giant arrogance. And God cannot be arrogant, because he really is greater than all.

Can you imagine being mocked by God? Talk about the ultimate burn. But God is generous when we are overwhelmed by our smallness and his bigness, when we are not convinced of our personal rightness, when we acknowledge our tendency to be very wrong. Then he steps in to build us up.

Think: Is it scary to think of being mocked by the God of the universe? Is it comforting to think of him mocking those who mock him?

Pray: Ask God to help you to carry in your heart and mind humility toward him and the people he has created.

Do: Read Psalm 2:1-4 and Psalm 37:12-13 for more examples of God laughing at those foolish enough to underestimate his power.