DAY 53 IN THE 91-DAY NEW HABIT CHALLENGE! #ProverbsChallenge



Proverbs 22--You feel it almost immediately. The atmosphere goes from peaceful or hopeful and cooperative, to discouragement and division. A scoffer has entered the room.

The scoffer injects cynicism and non-constructive criticism into conversations, meetings, families, and fellowship. For reasons only they know, they feel the need to bring this negativity into situations they want to control. They find a perverse sense of satisfaction when they change a productive event into a discouraging one.


Intentional or not the root is evil. That seems harsh but look at what scoffing produces. 
  • Division. 
  • Discouragement. 
  • Rejection. 
  • A sense of failure. 
  • Chaos
  • Destruction of community.

The most disconcerting thing about the scoffer is how easy it is to become one. It sneaks in through disappointment, control, pride, greed, fear, unforgiveness, and anger.

My name is Terri, and I'm a recovering scoffer. The LORD has graciously been rooting it out of me for years. If I'm not observant or diligent it can pop up. But, I know what the reaction of folks around me looks like, and followed the outcome, so I can repent, apologize, and hopefully do damage control.

The good thing? I can spot a scoffer. And you can be sure that I will approach that soul with caution, firmness, and grace, just as others have done with me. 

If we find that we bring discouragement and negativity into a situation, it's time to examine our hearts. Let the Holy Spirit help us root it out so that unity and peace and hope returns.

May the scoffer within us or around us be removed, my friends.

Proverbs 22:10--Throw out a scoffer and strife will go out, quarreling and disgrace will cease. Tree of Life Bible Society Tree of Life Version - TLV
#tlvbible #tlvproverbs

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