"The proud and arrogant person—'Mocker' is his name—behaves with insolent fury."
— Proverbs 21:24 (NIV)
Mocking and ridiculing may seem like mere jokes or sarcasm, but they are often rooted in pride, cruelty, or scorn. This kind of speech seeks to tear others down rather than build them up—and it reveals a heart that lacks humility and compassion.
What Makes Mocking Sinful?
Mocking is the act of making fun of others to belittle, shame, or humiliate them—whether in person, behind their backs, or online. It often includes sarcasm, eye-rolling, sneering, and name-calling. Even when said in humor, mocking wounds the soul, spreads arrogance, and leads others into sin.
The Bible links mockery to foolishness, pride, and rebellion:
"He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker."
— Proverbs 17:5 (NIV)
"Blessed is the one who does not… sit in the seat of mockers."
— Psalm 1:1 (NIV)
Mockers resist correction, despise the righteous, and scoff at truth. It's a spiritual disease that kills repentance and stirs division.
Why It Matters
Jesus was mocked during His suffering—not by criminals, but by the proud, the religious, and the crowd. Mocking is not innocent humor; it's the language of those who resist truth and enjoy the downfall of others.
"They mocked and ridiculed His messengers, until the wrath of the Lord rose against His people."
— 2 Chronicles 36:16 (NIV)
Mockery hardens hearts. It teaches children to scorn authority. It trains friends to insult instead of uplift. And worst of all, it makes light of things that God takes seriously—truth, holiness, suffering, and people made in His image.
Reflection Questions
Do I use sarcasm or ridicule to feel superior or to mask my own insecurity?
Have I laughed at someone else's weakness, misfortune, or appearance?
Do I mock spiritual things, pastors, believers, or God's commands—whether openly or subtly?
Have I joined in when others were being mocked, even silently?
Does my humor flow from love—or from pride?
Challenge: Speak With Honor
Mockery is easy. Honor takes strength. Ask God to help you speak with gentleness, compassion, and truth—even when joking. Use your words to heal, not to harm. Replace ridicule with encouragement, sarcasm with sincerity, and contempt with mercy.
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up…"
— Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Prayer of Repentance
"Father, forgive me for the times I've mocked others—whether through sarcasm, jokes, or silent contempt. Cleanse my heart of pride and cruelty. Teach me to see people through Your eyes. Help me use my words to honor, not hurt. Let my mouth be a fountain of life and my humor be pure. Fill me with Your grace and compassion. In Jesus' name, Amen."