What do I mean? Well, it is a good thing to stand for the truth and correct doctrine. It is entirely another to belittle, disparage, and impugn people. Merriam Webster defines mock:
1: to treat with contempt or ridicule : deride
The Greek word is ἐμπαίκτης, which means "mocker."
Jude 17-20 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers (ἐμπαίκτης) who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 20 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.
2Pe. 3:3 First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers (ἐμπαίκτης) will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.
The Hebrew word is לִיץ, which also means "mocker."
Ps. 1:1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers (לִיץ).
Ps. 119:51 The arrogant mock (לִיץ) me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law.
Pr. 1:22 “How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers (לִיץ) delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?
Pr. 9:7-8 “Whoever corrects a mocker (לִיץ) invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. 8 Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you.
Proverbs 21:24 The proud and arrogant person—“Mocker” (לִיץ) is his name— behaves with insolent fury.I don't want to suggest that everyone who defends the faith is a mocker, but rather, just those who disrespect and ridicule their adversaries. Indeed, it is necessary to "...contend for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints..." However, honor and gentle correction is the biblical prescription:
1Pe. 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
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