Proverbs 21:24 kjv

Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

Proverbs 21:24 nkjv

A proud and haughty man? "Scoffer" is his name; He acts with arrogant pride.

Proverbs 21:24 niv

The proud and arrogant person?"Mocker" is his name? behaves with insolent fury.

Proverbs 21:24 esv

"Scoffer" is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.

Proverbs 21:24 nlt

Mockers are proud and haughty;
they act with boundless arrogance.

Proverbs 21 verses

Proverbs 21 24 Meaning

The verse describes a person characterized by extreme haughtiness and insolent pride, designating "scoffer" as their essential identity. This individual acts out of a spirit of overflowing arrogance and contempt, manifesting an ungodly self-exaltation that looks down on others and God's ways. Such a "name" signifies their entire character and how they conduct themselves, marked by disdain for correction and divine wisdom.

Proverbs 21 24 Context

Proverbs 21, as with much of the book of Proverbs, presents sharp contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, the wise and the foolish. Verse 24 stands as a clear character sketch of one type of foolish and wicked person—the proud scoffer. The preceding verses often speak of the importance of justice, righteousness, diligence, and avoiding contentious behavior, while following verses continue to highlight different aspects of foolishness or wisdom in contrast. The chapter collectively forms a mosaic of practical wisdom, and identifying specific character flaws like excessive pride is central to its aim: guiding the listener away from harmful paths. Historically, ancient Israelite wisdom literature aimed to instill moral order aligned with the will of Yahweh, directly opposing self-exaltation and any forms of injustice often seen in surrounding pagan cultures or even among their own people when deviating from covenant principles. The proud scoffer embodied a rejection of the humility and teachability foundational to walking in wisdom and reverence for God.

Proverbs 21 24 Word analysis

• Haughty (Hebrew: zēd - זֵד): Signifies one who acts presumptuously, insolently, or rebelliously against authority or God. It denotes an attitude of high-handed pride, often associated with a deliberate sin or open defiance.
• and (Hebrew: v'- וְ): A simple conjunction connecting two descriptors, emphasizing the dual nature or composite identity of this individual.
• Arrogant/Yahîr (Hebrew: yāhîr - יָהִיר): Derived from a root meaning "to swell up," it points to a person inflated with self-importance, showing disdain for others and for divine counsel. This term often implies boasting and contemptuous behavior.
• Scoffer/Lēṣ (Hebrew: lēṣ - לֵץ): Describes a mocker, cynic, or scorner. This person mocks wisdom, correction, and often spiritual truths, finding amusement in denigrating what is good or sacred. Scoffers are resistant to teaching and often sow discord.
• is his name (Hebrew: sh'mo - שְׁמוֹ): "Name" in biblical thought is more than just a label; it encapsulates a person's character, reputation, and essential identity. To say "scoffer is his name" means that mocking, haughtiness, and arrogance are the very essence of who this person is and how they are known.
• who acts (Hebrew: oseh - עֹשֶׂה): Literally "one who does" or "makes." This indicates an active, consistent behavior pattern, not just an occasional outburst. It points to a deep-seated disposition that manifests in their deeds.
• with overweening pride/insolent pride/proud wrath (Hebrew: b’evrat zadon - בְּעֶבְרַת זָדוֹן): This phrase is critical.
  • B’evrat (בְּעֶבְרַת): While often translated as "wrath" or "fury," in this context, when combined with zadon, it conveys a sense of bursting forth, an outpouring of insolent passion, a vehement arrogance that controls their actions. It's pride accompanied by aggressive, contemptuous behavior.
  • Zadon (זָדוֹן): Used again from the first part of the verse, reinforcing the core trait. It signifies deliberate insolence, proud rebellion, or presumption. The repetition highlights the pervasive and fundamental nature of this pride in the individual's actions.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Haughty and arrogant scoffer": This tri-descriptor phrase powerfully identifies a specific, severely flawed character type. It highlights their attitude (haughty, arrogant) and their characteristic behavior (scoffing). Such a person is dangerous because they scorn wisdom and resist humility.
• "is his name": This signifies that the combined negative traits—haughtiness, arrogance, and scoffing—define their very identity. Their character is irrevocably stained by this contemptuous pride, indicating a complete self-centered orientation rather than an occasional fault.
• "who acts with overweening pride": This further elaborates on how this individual operates. Their actions are not just proud, but flow from an excessive, uncontrollable, and vehement form of pride (zadon). It suggests that their internal arrogance manifests externally in disdainful, possibly aggressive, and certainly self-exalting ways. Their "wrath" is fueled by their pride, expressed as insolent contempt.

Proverbs 21 24 Bonus section

The specific choice of the Hebrew words zēd, yāhîr, and lēṣ is significant. Zēd (haughty) implies presumption, a readiness to rebel; yāhîr (arrogant) points to inflated ego and disdain; and lēṣ (scoffer) highlights their communicative behavior – mocking and ridiculing. The combination portrays an unteachable individual who sees himself as above everyone and everything, especially God's wisdom. This character is presented as inherently destructive, not just to themselves, but also to societal harmony and divine order. This verse serves as a powerful warning against cultivating such a spirit within oneself, or associating with those who embody it, as their ultimate end is condemnation and downfall. It stands as a polemic against any form of self-exaltation that removes God from the center and replaces Him with human will.

Proverbs 21 24 Commentary

Proverbs 21:24 masterfully paints a vivid portrait of a particular type of individual consumed by pride, arrogance, and a spirit of mocking contempt. This verse goes beyond merely labeling pride as a fault; it characterizes the person whose very identity and mode of operation are steeped in it. The description "haughty and arrogant scoffer" points to someone inflated with self-importance who delights in ridiculing wisdom, instruction, and righteousness. Their "name" isn't just a label, but their complete nature; it describes who they truly are. Furthermore, "who acts with overweening pride" signifies that their pride is not dormant but aggressively expressed in their deeds. It's a defiant and insolent pride, demonstrating contempt for divine order and for anyone who might offer correction or a differing perspective. Such a person embodies resistance to God's ways and inevitably leads themselves toward downfall.

• Example: Think of someone who consistently belittles advice, dismisses any challenge to their authority, and scoffs at ethical concerns, seeing them as weakness. Their very public persona and private conduct are driven by an overwhelming sense of superiority and disdain for others, a perfect picture of the "haughty and arrogant scoffer."