Proverbs 22:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease.

NIV: Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.

NASB: Drive out the scoffer, and strife will leave, Even quarreling and dishonor will cease.

CSB: Drive out a mocker, and conflict goes too; then quarreling and dishonor will cease.

NLT: Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too. Quarrels and insults will disappear.

KJV: Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

NKJV: Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; Yes, strife and reproach will cease.

Other proverbs referred to those who are arrogant and unteachable. This attitude leads a person to sneer at those who disagree (Proverbs 9:7–8; 15:12; 24:9). It's good to seek to educate others and help them better understand God's wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; Matthew 5:16). That includes when having a good relationship with them is challenging (Colossians 3:13), and even if they struggle with sin (1 Corinthians 5:9–10).

However, tolerating a hardheaded troublemaker is not a wise choice, especially over time. Such a person causes angst and arguments. This can even become abusive. References to "scoffers" in Scripture evoke the type of person prone to insults and negative talk. When someone is resistant to all reason (Matthew 7:6) nothing is to be gained by keeping them around. The best choice, then, is to remove them from that group, or discussion, or even that church family. When the troublemaker is gone, much of the trouble goes with them. Some fools (Proverbs 1:22) contribute to others only by providing a cautionary example (Proverbs 21:11).

Occasionally, someone stirs up trouble in a church. Bickering and slander cause deep hurt. If such a person does not accept discipline (Matthew 18:15–20), the congregation may have to excommunicate the troublemaker (1 Corinthians 5:9–13). The New Testament records examples of certain men whose conduct was so harmful to faith that they had to be removed from church life to protect the other members (1 Timothy 1:19–20; 2 Timothy 4:14).

Proverbs 22:1–16 dispenses practical advice about gaining a good reputation, avoiding danger, setting children on a good path, finances, pure living, and the Lord's watchfulness and judgment. These verses also speak on the absurdity of laziness, the danger of evil words, and the sin of oppressing the poor. This completes an extensive list of wise sayings (Proverbs 10:1) attributed to Solomon.

This chapter completes a long string of wise sayings attributed to Solomon (Proverbs 10:1). He notes that reputation and godliness are far better than money. He also notes that godly wisdom keeps a person from various dangers. Loving parents use proper discipline to instill wisdom in their children. The last portion of the chapter introduces a new passage, made up of thirty wise teachings which Solomon endorses. This string of advice continues into chapter 24.

This chapter is the last of the second division of the book, including all of chapters 10—21. This section includes some 375 verses, mostly in paired lines. Chapter 22 completes these statements, then introduces a collection of thirty wise sayings endorsed by Solomon. The first five are negative commands, warning to avoid certain vices. Chapter 23 continues with more sayings of advice.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.