“Avoiding the Seat of the Scornful”

Blessed is the man who…. “..does not sit in the seat of the scornful…” Psalm 1:1

Some of the words used in the definitions of sit and seat from Strongs Hebrew and Greek Dictionary are marriage, habitation, assembly, dwell, and remain, among others.  These words speak of permanency. The scornful are those who mock and scoff. In this context, to sit in the seat of the scornful is to dwell or remain in an assembly where mockery of GOD is the prevailing influence. One has entered a covenant assembly. The progression in Psalm 1:1 should get our attention. It begins by choosing to walk a path based on the advice of the ungodly. Then standing in or dwelling in the course of life and mode of action chosen by the sinner. Finally settling in an assembly of those who mock GOD.

The mentality of the scornful is hardened to a point of nearly being unable to be moved and reasoned with, if not altogether.

“A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.” Proverbs 13:1

“A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, Nor will he go to the wise.” Proverbs 15:12

Correction and discipline are fundamental principles of necessity for growth in man’s relationship with GOD. When we progress to a point where we will not listen to rebuke, we have left no room for development and growth. In Proverbs 3:11-12, the father says, “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor detest His correction; For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.” Correction that comes from the LORD comes as a result of His love. Hebrews 12:11 says, “…no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” 

If we despise rebuke and love not the one who corrects us, specifically in regard to GOD and His word, we cannot bear the fruit of peace. The mocker will not allow themselves to be trained by discipline.

“Fools mock at sin…” Proverbs 14:9

This is where the progression of making choices that draw us away from GOD lead to.

Blessed, prosperous and happy is the one who chooses to forsake the assembly of the scornful. A covenant with the mocker is one leading to death. Blessed is the one who chooses the covenant of life.