Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly .
This verse comes from Proverbs, a collection of wisdom sayings in the Old Testament largely attributed to King Solomon. It draws a stark contrast: God's response to proud mockers is to meet them with mockery, while those who are humble receive grace — undeserved kindness and favor. The word "mockers" in the original Hebrew implies people who don't merely think highly of themselves, but who actively scoff at wisdom, at correction, and at God. This verse is considered so foundational that it is quoted directly in two New Testament letters — James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5 — suggesting the early church saw it as essential to understanding how life with God actually works.
God, I know there are places where I walk in already decided — about you, about people, about what I deserve. Soften that in me. I want to be someone whose hands are open, ready to receive what I cannot manufacture on my own. Give me the grace you promise to the humble. Amen.
There's a certain kind of person who walks into every room already knowing the answers. They've pre-decided what matters, who's worth listening to, and what God — if they acknowledge him at all — probably thinks. Proverbs has a word for that posture: mockery. And it says something jarring: that God responds to it in kind. Not with patient explanation. Not with wounded silence. With the same dismissal the mocker gives to everyone else. That's not the soft, reassuring God most of us prefer. But it might be the honest one. Grace, on the other hand, flows toward people with open hands. Humility isn't self-deprecation or thinking you're worthless — it's the simple act of showing up without all the answers, willing to receive. Think about the last time you were genuinely teachable — maybe at 2 AM when you finally stopped arguing with God, or in a conversation where you actually let someone else's pain land without rushing to fix it. That's the posture grace runs toward. The invitation here isn't about becoming "humble enough." It's a simpler question: are your hands open or closed right now?
What's the difference between a "proud mocker" and someone who genuinely wrestles with doubt or presses hard questions about faith?
When have you experienced a moment of genuine humility — truly letting go of needing to be right — and what did that cost you or give you?
This verse implies God actively resists the proud. Does that reframe any seasons of your life when things fell apart despite your confidence or certainty?
How does pride or humility show up in your closest relationships — with a partner, coworker, or friend — and what does this verse challenge you about there?
Where in your life are you currently being a "mocker" — dismissing something or someone too quickly — and what would it look like to approach that with open hands this week?
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
James 4:6
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
Psalms 1:1
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Ephesians 4:2
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Isaiah 57:15
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
1 Peter 5:5
If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
Proverbs 9:12
When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2
He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
Proverbs 9:7
Though He scoffs at the scoffers and scorns the scorners, Yet He gives His grace [His undeserved favor] to the humble [those who give up self-importance].
AMP
Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.
ESV
Though He scoffs at the scoffers, Yet He gives grace to the afflicted.
NASB
He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.
NIV
Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble.
NKJV
The LORD mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble.
NLT
He gives proud skeptics a cold shoulder, but if you're down on your luck, he's right there to help.
MSG