Proverbs 22:10

KJV

¶ Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

KJV (with Strong's)

Cast out {H1644} the scorner {H3887}, and contention {H4066} shall go out {H3318}; yea, strife {H1779} and reproach {H7036} shall cease {H7673}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Throw the scoffer out, and quarreling goes too; strife and insults cease.

Berean Standard Bible

Drive out the mocker, and conflict will depart; even quarreling and insults will cease.

American Standard Version

Cast out the scoffer, and contention will go out; Yea, strife and ignominy will cease.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 22:10 offers profound wisdom on maintaining peace and order within a community or household by addressing the source of conflict. It provides a clear, decisive instruction for dealing with individuals who habitually disrupt harmony, asserting that the removal of a "scorner" directly leads to the cessation of contention, strife, and reproach, thereby safeguarding the well-being and tranquility of the group.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 22:10 is situated within the broader collection of Solomon's proverbs, specifically within a section (Proverbs 22:17-24:34) known as "Sayings of the Wise," which bears similarities to Egyptian wisdom literature. The book of Proverbs as a whole serves as practical guidance for living a righteous and flourishing life, often contrasting different character types: the wise, the fool, and the scorner. The "scorner" (Hebrew: _lûwts_) is presented as distinct from a simple "fool" (Hebrew: _kesil_ or _ʼĕwîl_); they are not merely ignorant or lacking wisdom but are actively hostile to it, resistant to correction, and often rebellious against divine truth. This verse, therefore, highlights a specific type of disruptive personality and prescribes a radical solution for the sake of communal peace, echoing the book's consistent theme of the consequences of one's character on their environment, as seen in the contrasting outcomes for the righteous and the wicked throughout [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Life").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, community cohesion and peace were paramount. Life was largely communal, centered around families, clans, and villages, where harmony was essential for survival and prosperity. Disputes and internal strife could weaken the social fabric, making the community vulnerable. The concept of "shame" and "reproach" (Hebrew: _qâlôwn_) carried significant weight, impacting not just the individual but their entire family and community. Therefore, a "scorner" who habitually mocked, sowed discord, and resisted wisdom posed a direct threat to the stability and honor of the group. The proverb's instruction to "cast out" reflects a societal understanding that decisive action, even expulsion, was sometimes necessary to preserve the integrity and well-being of the collective, much like the laws regarding clean and unclean in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws for a Holy People") or the exclusion of certain individuals from the assembly in [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/23 "Deuteronomy 23 - Exclusions from the Assembly").
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several key themes within Proverbs and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **the destructive nature of scorn**, emphasizing that the presence of a scorner inherently brings contention, strife, and reproach. Their mocking, cynical, and rebellious attitude is a direct catalyst for conflict and social breakdown, as also warned in [Proverbs 9:7-8](/proverbs/9-7 "Proverbs 9:7-8 - Do Not Rebuke a Scorner"). Secondly, it champions **decisive action for peace**, suggesting that merely reasoning with or tolerating a persistent scorner is often ineffective. True peace sometimes requires the removal of the root cause of discord, illustrating that wisdom involves not just acquiring knowledge but also applying it through difficult choices for the greater good. Thirdly, the proverb offers a clear **promise of harmony**, establishing a direct cause-and-effect relationship: remove the scorner, and peace will follow. This highlights the value of a peaceful environment free from unnecessary conflict and reinforces the idea that wisdom leads to flourishing. Finally, it speaks to the vital theme of **protecting the community**, serving as a principle for safeguarding the unity and spiritual health of families, churches, workplaces, or any community where a scorner's influence can be corrosive, echoing the calls for unity found in [Psalm 133:1](/psalm/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - The Goodness of Unity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cast out (Hebrew, _gârash'_):** This primitive root signifies a forceful expulsion, to "drive out from a possession." It carries connotations of expatriation or even divorce. In the context of Proverbs 22:10, it denotes a decisive, intentional act of removal, suggesting that the scorner is not merely to be ignored or tolerated but actively separated from the community to prevent further harm. This is a strong verb, indicating a necessary and often difficult action.
* **scorner (Hebrew, _lûwts'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to make mouths at" or "to scoff," this term describes someone who not only rejects wisdom but actively derides it and those who embody it. A _lûwts_ is characterized by a malicious delight in mockery, cynicism, and a hardened resistance to correction or accountability. Unlike a simple fool, the scorner is hostile to truth and actively disruptive, making them a unique and dangerous influence within a community.
* **cease (Hebrew, _shâbath'_):** This primitive root means "to repose" or "to desist from exertion." It is the root from which the word "Sabbath" is derived, implying a state of rest or cessation. In this proverb, it promises that contention, strife, and reproach will "cease" or "be made to rest" once the scorner is removed. It suggests a complete end to the disruptive elements, leading to a state of tranquility and peace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Cast out the scorner":** This is a direct, imperative command, indicating a necessary and decisive action. The "scorner" is identified as the root cause of discord, and their removal is presented as the prerequisite for peace. This is not a suggestion but a strong directive to actively separate such an individual from the communal space.
* **"and contention shall go out":** This clause presents the immediate and direct consequence of removing the scorner. "Contention" (Hebrew: _mâdôwn_) refers to quarrels, disputes, and brawling. The verb "go out" (Hebrew: _yâtsâʼ_) implies that contention, like the scorner, will depart from the environment, signifying a cleansing or purification of the communal atmosphere.
* **"yea, strife and reproach shall cease":** This phrase serves as a reinforcing parallel to the previous clause, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the peace that will follow. "Strife" (Hebrew: _dîyn_) refers to legal disputes or quarrels, while "reproach" (Hebrew: _qâlôwn_) denotes disgrace, dishonor, or shame. The promise that these negative elements will "cease" (Hebrew: _shâbath_) underscores the complete restoration of harmony and dignity within the community.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 22:10 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The primary device is **Cause and Effect**, where the action of "casting out the scorner" is directly presented as the cause for the cessation of contention, strife, and reproach. This clear linkage highlights the proverb's practical wisdom and the direct consequences of dealing with disruptive elements. Additionally, **Parallelism** is evident in the two resulting clauses: "contention shall go out" and "strife and reproach shall cease." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the comprehensive nature of the peace that will ensue, emphasizing that not just one form of discord but all related negative outcomes will vanish. The proverb also uses **Metonymy** where "contention," "strife," and "reproach" are effects that stand for the general atmosphere of discord and dishonor created by the scorner. The scorner's presence *is* contention, and their removal *is* the removal of these negative states.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb offers profound theological insights into the nature of community, the necessity of spiritual discernment, and the active pursuit of peace. It underscores that true peace is not merely the absence of conflict but often requires the decisive removal of elements that actively destroy harmony. The principle of protecting the community from internal corruption resonates throughout Scripture, from the purity laws of the Old Testament to the New Testament's instructions on church discipline. It teaches that while grace and patience are vital, there comes a point where persistent, destructive behavior necessitates setting firm boundaries or, in extreme cases, separation for the well-being of the larger group, reflecting God's own character as one who desires order and peace within His people.

* [1 Corinthians 5:13](/1_corinthians/5-13 "1 Corinthians 5:13 - Expel the Wicked Person")
* [Romans 16:17-18](/romans/16-17 "Romans 16:17-18 - Avoid Those Who Cause Divisions")
* [Titus 3:10-11](/titus/3-10 "Titus 3:10-11 - Deal with a Divisive Person")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 22:10 provides timeless wisdom for navigating relationships and fostering healthy environments, whether in families, friendships, workplaces, or church communities. It challenges us to honestly assess the sources of discord in our lives and to act decisively, not out of malice, but out of a commitment to peace and spiritual well-being. This doesn't always mean literal expulsion but can involve setting firm boundaries, limiting interaction, or refusing to engage with those whose consistent pattern is to mock, criticize, and sow discord rather than contribute positively to harmony. Prioritizing peace over the tolerance of toxicity is a difficult but often necessary act of wisdom and love, protecting ourselves and those around us from corrosive influences. It calls us to discern when patience has been exhausted and when the spiritual health of a community demands courageous action to remove the root of chronic contention.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or community might a "scorner" (or a "scorning" attitude) be sowing discord?**
* **What does "casting out" look like in my specific context, and what boundaries might I need to establish for the sake of peace?**
* **How can I cultivate an environment that actively discourages scorn and promotes wisdom, peace, and mutual respect?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between a "fool" and a "scorner" in Proverbs?**

Answer: While both the "fool" (Hebrew: _kesil_ or _ʼĕwîl_) and the "scorner" (Hebrew: _lûwts_) reject wisdom in Proverbs, their nature and the prescribed response to them differ significantly. A "fool" is typically characterized by a lack of understanding, impulsiveness, and an unwillingness to learn from mistakes or accept correction (e.g., [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")). While frustrating, a fool might still be teachable or simply misguided. A "scorner," however, is actively hostile to wisdom, mocks instruction, and delights in derision. They are not merely ignorant but are rebellious and hardened against truth and accountability. The proverb suggests that while one might attempt to instruct a fool (though with caution, as per [Proverbs 26:4](/proverbs/26-4 "Proverbs 26:4 - Do Not Answer a Fool")), a scorner is beyond such efforts and must be removed for peace to prevail.

**Does "cast out the scorner" mean we should be unloving or unforgiving?**

Answer: The command to "cast out the scorner" must be understood within the broader biblical context of love, forgiveness, and discernment. It does not advocate for an unloving or unforgiving spirit, but rather for a wise and protective approach to community health. The Bible consistently calls believers to love their enemies ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")), forgive others ([Colossians 3:13](/colossians/3-13 "Colossians 3:13 - Forgive One Another")), and exercise patience. However, it also recognizes that there are individuals whose persistent, destructive behavior actively undermines the peace and spiritual well-being of a community. In such cases, "casting out" can be an act of tough love, protecting the innocent, and preventing further harm. It is a last resort, taken after attempts at correction and reconciliation have failed, and it aims to preserve the integrity of the group, much like Paul's instruction regarding a divisive person in [Titus 3:10](/titus/3-10 "Titus 3:10 - Deal with a Divisive Person").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 22:10, though rooted in ancient wisdom, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the embodiment of divine wisdom, Jesus actively confronted and cast out the ultimate "scorner"—Satan—and the destructive forces of sin that bring contention, strife, and reproach into the world. His ministry was a direct assault on the kingdom of darkness, culminating in His victory on the cross, where He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Disarming the Powers")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ "cast out" the power of sin and death, offering true peace and reconciliation to God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith")). Furthermore, Jesus established a new community, the Church, where His followers are called to live in unity and peace, reflecting His character. He Himself warned against those who would sow discord ([Matthew 18:15-17](/matthew/18-15 "Matthew 18:15-17 - Dealing with a Sinning Brother")) and promised His peace to His disciples ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace")). The proverb's wisdom, therefore, points to Christ as the one who definitively removes the source of all ultimate contention—sin—and establishes His kingdom as a realm of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")). In Him, the promise that "strife and reproach shall cease" is not just a societal ideal but a spiritual reality for all who are united to Him.

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

1 Corinthians 5:13

But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

Genesis 21:9

¶ And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.

Genesis 21:10

Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, [even] with Isaac.

1 Corinthians 5:5

To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

1 Corinthians 5:6

Your glorying [is] not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

Proverbs 21:24

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

Proverbs 26:20

¶ Where no wood is, [there] the fire goeth out: so where [there is] no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.