Proverbs 1:26

KJV

I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;

KJV (with Strong's)

I also will laugh {H7832} at your calamity {H343}; I will mock {H3932} when your fear {H6343} cometh {H935};

Complete Jewish Bible

I, in turn, will laugh at your distress, and mock when terror comes over you

Berean Standard Bible

in turn I will mock your calamity; I will sneer when terror strikes you,

American Standard Version

I also will laugh inthe day ofyour calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 1:26 delivers a solemn and stark declaration from personified Wisdom, outlining her response to those who have consistently rejected her earnest counsel and instruction. Having extended a gracious invitation to understanding and life, Wisdom now pronounces that when the inevitable "calamity" and "fear" befall the scorners, she will not offer aid or sympathy but will rather "laugh" and "mock." This powerful statement underscores the grave and unavoidable consequences of persistent rebellion against divine truth, highlighting the self-inflicted nature of the distress that results from choosing folly over wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 1 serves as the foundational introduction to the entire book, establishing its overarching purpose: to impart wisdom, discipline, and understanding to both the naive and the discerning. Within this pivotal chapter, Wisdom is vividly personified as a prophetess, crying out in public spaces and inviting all to embrace her instruction while simultaneously warning against the severe perils of ignoring her call. Verses [Proverbs 1:20-33](/proverbs/1-20-33 "Proverbs 1:20-33 - Wisdom's Urgent Call and Solemn Warning") powerfully portray Wisdom's impassioned plea, which immediately precedes this stern pronouncement. Specifically, [Proverbs 1:24-25](/proverbs/1-24-25 "Proverbs 1:24-25 - The Rejection of Wisdom's Outstretched Hand") highlights the persistent, willful rejection of Wisdom's outstretched hand, emphasizing that the "laughing" and "mocking" in verse 26 are not arbitrary acts but a direct, just, and reciprocal response to the prior disdain, scorn, and hardened hearts of those who refused her gracious and life-giving offer.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs belongs to the rich tradition of ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, a collection of practical and moral teachings designed to guide individuals in living a righteous and prosperous life in harmony with the divine order. In ancient Israel, "wisdom" (Hebrew: *ḥokmâ*) was not merely intellectual acumen but a practical skill for navigating life in accordance with God's established moral and cosmic order. It was a holistic concept, encompassing practical prudence, moral discernment, and theological insight. Wisdom was primarily taught within families and communities, and potentially through scribal schools. The foundational premise of this wisdom was the "fear of the Lord," which [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom") explicitly states is the "beginning of wisdom." Therefore, rejecting wisdom was not simply a pragmatic error but a profound theological offense—a rebellion against the very structure of reality ordained by God. The cultural expectation, deeply embedded in Deuteronomic theology, was that one's choices had direct, observable consequences, a principle of blessing for obedience and curses for disobedience, as vividly outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience").
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 1:26 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **The Inevitable Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom**. The verse asserts that choices have inherent consequences, and those who persistently ignore divine wisdom will inevitably face hardship and destruction. Wisdom's "laughing" is not sadistic joy but a declaration of the absolute certainty and vindication of her prior warnings regarding the outcomes of their foolish path. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Justice and Natural Repercussions**. While Wisdom is personified, her response reflects a profound principle of divine justice where the "calamity" and "fear" are not arbitrary punishments but the self-inflicted results of one's own actions and refusal to heed sound, life-giving guidance. This aligns with the biblical principle that [what one sows, one will also reap](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping"). Lastly, the verse emphasizes **The Seriousness of Choice and the Point of No Return**. It conveys the gravity of choosing between wisdom and folly, suggesting that there can be a critical juncture for those who harden their hearts against instruction, leading to a state where divine intervention or even sympathy is justly withdrawn, leaving them to their chosen path.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **laugh (Hebrew, _sâchaq'_):** H7832, a primitive root meaning "to laugh" (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, "to play." This word can denote derision, mockery, or scorn. In this context, it signifies a triumphant or contemptuous laughter, not of joy in another's suffering, but of absolute certainty and the vindication of Wisdom's prior warnings. It conveys a sense of finality and highlights the utter foolishness of the scoffer's choices, having brought about their own downfall.
* **calamity (Hebrew, _ʼêyd'_):** H343, from the same as אוּד (in the sense of bending down); oppression; by implication misfortune, ruin. This term emphasizes the severity and destructive nature of the consequences that will befall those who reject wisdom, indicating a sudden, overwhelming disaster or a state of profound suffering and downfall. It speaks to the external, tangible manifestation of their folly.
* **fear (Hebrew, _pachad'_):** H6343, from פָּחַד; a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling); dread(-ful), terror. This word describes the intense internal emotional state of panic, apprehension, and terror that will grip those who face the consequences of their folly. This "fear" is the internal experience and psychological torment that accompanies the external "calamity," a deep-seated terror that arises from their self-inflicted predicament.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I also will laugh at your calamity":** This clause reveals Wisdom's posture towards those who have scorned her. The "I also" implies a reciprocal action; just as they laughed at her warnings or mocked her counsel, she will respond in kind when their self-inflicted disaster strikes. Her "laughing" is not born of malice or delight in suffering, but of the absolute certainty of the consequences she foretold. It signifies the vindication of her truth and the utter foolishness of their choices, leaving no room for pity or intervention because they willfully chose this path.
* **"I will mock when your fear cometh;":** This second clause reinforces and intensifies the meaning of the first through synonymous parallelism. "Mock" (Hebrew: _lâʻag_) intensifies the derision, emphasizing Wisdom's contempt for their foolishness and their self-imposed predicament. The phrase "when your fear cometh" highlights the inevitability and suddenness of their distress. The "fear" is the internal, emotional consequence of the external "calamity," a terror that grips them as the natural outcome of their rebellion against wisdom unfolds. This coming of fear is a direct and unavoidable result of their prior rejection of the very source that could have protected them.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 1:26 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Personification** is central, as Wisdom is portrayed as an active, speaking entity, capable of "laughing" and "mocking." This gives an abstract concept a tangible presence, agency, and authority, making her warnings more impactful and her pronouncements more authoritative. The verse also utilizes **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("I will mock when your fear cometh") reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first ("I also will laugh at your calamity"). This repetition emphasizes the certainty, inevitability, and severity of the consequences. Furthermore, there is a profound element of **Irony** at play. Wisdom, the very source of life, peace, and prosperity, appears to delight in the distress of the foolish. This is not a cruel irony, but a profound one: it highlights the tragic, self-inflicted nature of their suffering, as they have brought upon themselves the very thing Wisdom sought to help them avoid. The "laughing" and "mocking" are the natural, just response to their prior scorn.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 1:26 powerfully articulates the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, demonstrating that God's moral order is not to be trifled with. While Wisdom is personified, her pronouncement reflects the divine principle that persistent, willful rebellion against truth and righteousness inevitably leads to self-destruction. This is not arbitrary punishment, but the natural, just outworking of choices made in defiance of God's revealed will. It underscores God's justice, where those who refuse His gracious invitation to life and wisdom are ultimately left to the consequences of their own hardened hearts. This passage serves as a stark reminder that there is a point where divine patience gives way to the just unfolding of consequences for unrepentant sin, emphasizing the seriousness of our choices and the urgency of responding to divine truth.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Romans 1:28-32](/romans/1-28-32 "Romans 1:28-32 - God Gives Them Over to a Reprobate Mind")
* [Hebrews 10:26-31](/hebrews/10-26-31 "Hebrews 10:26-31 - A Terrifying Expectation of Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 1:26 serves as a profound and sobering warning for all who encounter it. It compels us to seriously consider the trajectory of our lives and the choices we make daily. The verse is a powerful reminder that while God is gracious and patient, there are indeed natural and spiritual consequences for persistently ignoring divine wisdom and instruction. We are called to cultivate a posture of humility and receptivity, eagerly seeking and embracing wisdom from God's Word, godly counsel, and even the lessons of life. To disregard truth, to mock correction, or to harden our hearts against the guiding hand of the Lord is to set ourselves on a path toward inevitable distress and fear. This passage urges us to act decisively *now*, to choose the path of wisdom before the "calamity" arrives, understanding that true freedom, flourishing, and peace come from aligning our lives with God's righteous and established ways, rather than the shifting sands of human folly.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be resisting wise counsel, divine instruction, or biblical principles?**
* **What "calamities" or "fears" have I experienced in the past that were direct results of my own foolish choices or stubbornness?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater hunger for God's wisdom and a more humble spirit to receive correction, even when it's difficult?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to ensure I am building my life on the solid foundation of God's wisdom, rather than the deceptive allure of folly?**

### FAQ
**Does "wisdom" in this verse refer to God directly, or something else?**

Answer: While "wisdom" is personified in Proverbs 1, it represents a divine attribute and the established moral order of God. In a profound sense, it is God's own character and truth speaking. So, while not explicitly God Himself, Wisdom acts as His authoritative voice and agent, reflecting His righteous judgment and the inherent consequences of His creation. The consequences described are ultimately an outworking of God's just governance of the world, where choices have inherent spiritual, moral, and natural repercussions. This personification makes the abstract concept of divine truth more relatable and impactful for the reader.

**Is this verse saying God delights in people's suffering?**

Answer: No, this verse is not saying God delights in suffering for its own sake. The "laughing" and "mocking" of Wisdom should be understood not as sadistic joy, but as a declaration of the absolute certainty and inevitability of the consequences that result from persistent, willful rejection of divine truth. It's a statement of vindication for Wisdom's warnings and a portrayal of the utter foolishness of those who scorned her gracious offer. It highlights that the suffering is self-inflicted, a natural outcome of their own choices, and that Wisdom will not intervene for those who have consistently spurned her. This aligns with other scriptures where God laments the destruction of the wicked, even as He executes justice (e.g., [Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God Takes No Pleasure in the Death of the Wicked")).

**Is there a "point of no return" implied in this verse?**

Answer: Yes, this verse strongly implies a point of no return for those who have persistently and scornfully rejected Wisdom's call. The language suggests a finality where Wisdom's patience has run out, and the consequences of their choices are now unavoidable. While God's grace is vast and His invitation to repentance is broad, the Bible does speak of a hardening of hearts that can lead to a state where repentance becomes exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, for those who have continually resisted the Holy Spirit and divine truth (e.g., [Hebrews 6:4-6](/hebrews/6-4-6 "Hebrews 6:4-6 - Impossible to Restore to Repentance")). It serves as a severe warning against procrastination in responding to God's call and prolonged, defiant rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 1:26, with its stark warning from personified Wisdom, finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very **Wisdom of God** incarnate, as declared by the Apostle Paul in [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God"), and the one "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Whom Are Hidden All the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")). Just as Wisdom cried out in the streets of ancient Israel, Jesus, the embodiment of divine truth, stood in the public squares and synagogues of Jerusalem and Galilee, extending an earnest invitation to all who would listen: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Labor")). He lamented over those who refused to gather under His protective wings, much like a hen gathers her chicks, mournfully declaring, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem... How often would I have gathered your children together... and you were not willing!" ([Matthew 23:37-39](/matthew/23-37-39 "Matthew 23:37-39 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")). The "calamity" and "fear" that come upon those who reject Wisdom in Proverbs foreshadow the ultimate judgment upon those who reject Christ, the **Light of the World**, because they prefer darkness to light ([John 3:19-21](/john/3-19-21 "John 3:19-21 - Men Loved Darkness Rather Than Light")). Yet, in a profound and glorious paradox, Christ also bore the ultimate "calamity" and "fear" on the cross, not for His own folly, but for ours. He became the object of divine wrath, the one upon whom the consequences of humanity's rebellion against God's wisdom were poured out, so that those who believe in Him might escape eternal judgment ([Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - He Bore Our Griefs and Sorrows")). Thus, while Proverbs warns of the inevitable consequences for rejecting Wisdom, the New Testament reveals that God, in His infinite wisdom and love, provided a means of escape and reconciliation through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Christ. Those who heed the call of Christ, the **Word made flesh** ([John 1:1-5](/john/1-1-5 "John 1:1-5 - The Word Became Flesh")), find not calamity, but eternal life and true wisdom, for He is the **way, the truth, and the life** ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 37:13

The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.

Psalms 2:4

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

Proverbs 10:24

¶ The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.

Luke 14:24

For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.

Judges 10:14

Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.

Proverbs 6:15

Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.