Day 70: Mockers and Oppression

Day 70: Mockers and Oppression

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 22:10–16

Key Verse:

“Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease.” — Proverbs 22:10 (ESV)

Reflection

Mockers and oppressors create environments of conflict, division, and injustice. Solomon warns that tolerating these behaviors leads to destruction, but wisdom calls us to remove destructive influences and uphold righteousness.

Mockers stir up strife (v. 10). A scoffer—a person who ridicules truth and wisdom—creates conflict wherever they go. Whether in leadership, business, or family, keeping company with mockers leads to tension, confusion, and disruption. Wise leaders recognize the power of influence and are unafraid to set boundaries that protect peace and integrity.

Oppressors misuse power (vv. 11–12). The contrast is clear: Those who love purity of heart and speak graciously find favor, while those who exploit others face destruction. God upholds justice and thwarts the plans of the wicked. True leadership is not about dominance but about stewardship—caring for people with fairness and integrity.

Laziness leads to destruction (v. 13). Fear and excuses keep people from taking action. The lazy man imagines danger in everything rather than doing the work required to succeed. Leaders must reject a victim mentality and cultivate a mindset of diligence, responsibility, and faith.

Exploiting the poor leads to ruin (v. 16). Solomon warns that those who gain wealth by oppressing the poor will ultimately suffer loss. God is deeply concerned about justice and the treatment of the vulnerable. Leaders who prioritize power and profit over people will face the consequences of their greed.

This passage reminds us that leadership requires wisdom in handling people. We must guard against toxic influences, refuse to participate in oppression, and cultivate a heart of justice and integrity. When we lead with godliness, we create environments where wisdom, peace, and righteousness flourish.

Word Study: Scoffer (לֵץ, lets)

The Hebrew word lets refers to a person who mocks, ridicules, or despises wisdom. It describes someone who resists correction and takes pleasure in causing division.

For leaders, lets is a warning not only to avoid being a scoffer but also to be discerning about those who create unnecessary strife.

Challenge

Reflect on how mockery, oppression, or laziness may be affecting your life and leadership.

1. Are you tolerating divisive influences that need to be removed?

2. Are you using your influence for justice, or are you prioritizing personal gain?

Write down one way you can promote wisdom, integrity, or justice in your relationships, work, or leadership this week.

Leadership in Action

Consider how handling mockers and oppression affects leadership.

• Are you addressing toxic influences in your environment, or are you allowing them to thrive?

• How can you use your position to protect the vulnerable and uphold justice?

Identify one leadership challenge where you need to stand up for truth, remove a negative influence, or promote fairness. Take action this week to lead with boldness and wisdom.

Prayer

Lord, give me discernment to recognize and remove divisive influences in my life. Help me to lead with wisdom, justice, and integrity, using my influence to uphold truth and protect the vulnerable. Guard my heart from pride, mockery, or laziness, and teach me to walk in Your righteousness. May my leadership create an environment where wisdom, peace, and justice flourish. Amen.