Pondering the Principles of Proverbs
Most everyone recognizes this classic representation of "Good vs. Evil."
The Joker, Batman's arch-villain, mocks and opposes all things good. He is generally regarded as a homicidal maniac, and although he has had many chances to end the Joker's existence, Batman has repeatedly failed to do so.
Therefore, the struggle of good and evil continues in Gotham City.
The Joker, and his persistent desire to establish anarchy as a way of life within the fictional Gotham City, represent something more than just the struggle of good and evil.
The Joker, Batman's arch-villain, mocks and opposes all things good. He is generally regarded as a homicidal maniac, and although he has had many chances to end the Joker's existence, Batman has repeatedly failed to do so.
Therefore, the struggle of good and evil continues in Gotham City.
The Joker, and his persistent desire to establish anarchy as a way of life within the fictional Gotham City, represent something more than just the struggle of good and evil.
The Joker's twisted, maniacal psyche serves as the epitome representation for those who would continue in a lifelong pursuit of evil.
While it is true that his character is over-the-top compared to today's relevant evil, he is, nonetheless, worth observing for some life lessons.
One consistent characteristic of The Joker is his ability to mock, in a sarcastic manner, anything that resembles the good in life.
One consistent characteristic of many people of today is their ability to mock anything or anyone with whom they disagree.
I can understand this coming from those who have no knowledge; nothing better to do than to try to make themselves appear smarter, wiser, better than those whom they put down. But, I find it difficult to accept from those who claim to be Christian.
While it is true that his character is over-the-top compared to today's relevant evil, he is, nonetheless, worth observing for some life lessons.
One consistent characteristic of The Joker is his ability to mock, in a sarcastic manner, anything that resembles the good in life.
One consistent characteristic of many people of today is their ability to mock anything or anyone with whom they disagree.
I can understand this coming from those who have no knowledge; nothing better to do than to try to make themselves appear smarter, wiser, better than those whom they put down. But, I find it difficult to accept from those who claim to be Christian.
Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,
and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
reprove a wise man, and he will love you
(Pro. 9:7-8)
This version uses the word "scoffer" and others use "mocker" or "scorner." They each have the same basic meaning as given below.
Noun
The feeling or belief that someone or something is worthless or despicable; contempt.
Verb
Feel or express contempt or derision for.
The etymology of the word "scorn" is of interest for this discussion.
Our English word traces its origin back through the Romance languages to the Latin "ex cornu," which means "without horn."
In the Bible, "horn" often symbolizes authority. (Ps. 92:10; and Daniel 7 & 8)
It has been my experience and observation that those who mock, ie, scorn, are simply trying to take away any perceived authority of the one whom they mock. Those who mock Christianity are trying to take away what they perceive as authority in the spiritual realm. Those who mock the president are trying to take away any aspect of authority with the office.
It has often been said that those who criticize others are merely trying to make themselves look good.
Look once again at the passage cited from Proverbs for this discussion. Everything that has been said thus far has been by way of introduction. We are told to "not correct those who mock."
Many believers in my experience expend great energy trying to correct the misconceptions of those who object to or rail against Christianity. I've also seen this among my Muslim friends. I've seen it among those who are politically active.
But, this verse says plainly, "Don't do it."
Unless you are a masochist.
A wise person will soon understand by observation that a scoffer loves scoffing, a mocker loves mocking.
Why then expend energy trying to correct them?
Haven't you experienced this yourself, if you are a corrector? Haven't you gotten your fair share of abuse as a result? Have you ever converted a mocker to your way of thinking?
The verse goes on to say that we should spend those energies on the wise.
Correct a wise person. Reprove a wise person. Then you will have reward for your efforts.
There is a MAJOR problem with this, however.
Wise people seldom need correction or reproof!
Now, what are you going to do if you have no one to correct?!?
Oh, my! Maybe take the beam out of your own eye? (Matt. 7:5)
Maybe join the ranks of the wise?
All comments, questions, and/or criticisms are welcome. They will be posted immediately without the necessity of approval.
If you haven't already, sign up to have these studies FREELY delivered directly to your inbox. The link is just above the picture of the ugly guy who writes this stuff. Your e-mail address is safe with me, and will NEVER be given, sold, rented, or otherwise distributed to anyone else. Nor will I use it to solicit you by any other means. You will have the option to opt out of receiving the e-mails with each and every posting.
Noun
The feeling or belief that someone or something is worthless or despicable; contempt.
Verb
Feel or express contempt or derision for.
The etymology of the word "scorn" is of interest for this discussion.
Our English word traces its origin back through the Romance languages to the Latin "ex cornu," which means "without horn."
In the Bible, "horn" often symbolizes authority. (Ps. 92:10; and Daniel 7 & 8)
It has been my experience and observation that those who mock, ie, scorn, are simply trying to take away any perceived authority of the one whom they mock. Those who mock Christianity are trying to take away what they perceive as authority in the spiritual realm. Those who mock the president are trying to take away any aspect of authority with the office.
It has often been said that those who criticize others are merely trying to make themselves look good.
Look once again at the passage cited from Proverbs for this discussion. Everything that has been said thus far has been by way of introduction. We are told to "not correct those who mock."
Many believers in my experience expend great energy trying to correct the misconceptions of those who object to or rail against Christianity. I've also seen this among my Muslim friends. I've seen it among those who are politically active.
But, this verse says plainly, "Don't do it."
Unless you are a masochist.
A wise person will soon understand by observation that a scoffer loves scoffing, a mocker loves mocking.
Why then expend energy trying to correct them?
Haven't you experienced this yourself, if you are a corrector? Haven't you gotten your fair share of abuse as a result? Have you ever converted a mocker to your way of thinking?
The verse goes on to say that we should spend those energies on the wise.
Correct a wise person. Reprove a wise person. Then you will have reward for your efforts.
There is a MAJOR problem with this, however.
Wise people seldom need correction or reproof!
Now, what are you going to do if you have no one to correct?!?
Oh, my! Maybe take the beam out of your own eye? (Matt. 7:5)
Maybe join the ranks of the wise?
All comments, questions, and/or criticisms are welcome. They will be posted immediately without the necessity of approval.
If you haven't already, sign up to have these studies FREELY delivered directly to your inbox. The link is just above the picture of the ugly guy who writes this stuff. Your e-mail address is safe with me, and will NEVER be given, sold, rented, or otherwise distributed to anyone else. Nor will I use it to solicit you by any other means. You will have the option to opt out of receiving the e-mails with each and every posting.
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