Biblical Penalties for Mockers and Harassers of Faithful

The Bible describes various penalties for those who mock and harass the faithful, ranging from divine anger and judgment to social consequences and eternal punishment. This treatment is often understood as a response to the scoffer's rejection of God's authority and truth ^[17].

The book of Proverbs explicitly states, "Penalties are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the backs of fools" ^[1]. This verse highlights a direct consequence for those who engage in mockery. The concept of "fools" in biblical wisdom literature often refers to those who deny God, blaspheme, reproach God, and make light of sin ^[9]. Such individuals are characterized by their self-sufficiency, self-confidence, and self-deception ^[9].

Mockery and scorn are frequently associated with disobedience to God. Disobedience provokes God's anger, forfeits His favor and promised blessings, and brings a curse ^[4]. The prophet Isaiah warns against mockers, stating, "And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible" ^[5]. John Gill, in his commentary on Isaiah 28:13, identifies "scornful men" as those who scoff and mock at the word of God or at the threatenings of punishment, even making a jest of death and hell ^[10]. He further interprets Isaiah 28:21 as a warning to "be not mockers," lest their "bands be made strong," meaning their punishment will become heavier and more grievous ^[18].

The faithful themselves have historically endured mockery and scorn. The sufferings of Christ, for instance, were predicted to include mockery (Psalm 22:6-8; Isaiah 53:3; Luke 18:32) and were indeed endured by Him (Matthew 9:24; 27:29) ^[2]. Similarly, saints have faced mockery for being children of God (Genesis 21:9; Galatians 4:29), for their uprightness (Job 12:4), their faith (Hebrews 11:36), their faithfulness in declaring God's word (Jeremiah 20:7,8), and their zeal for God's house (Nehemiah 2:19) ^[2]. Adam Clarke notes that the "cruel mockings" mentioned in Hebrews 11:36 could refer to public exhibitions of God's people at idol feasts, citing Samson's case before Dagon as an example ^[16].

The wicked are depicted as indulging in mockery against various aspects of God's work and people. This includes mocking the second coming of Christ (2 Peter 3:3,4), the gifts of the Spirit (Acts 2:13), God's threatenings (Isaiah 5:19; Jeremiah 17:15), God's ministers (2 Chronicles 36:16), and God's ordinances ^[2]. Tyndale House's commentary on Isaiah 5:18-19 identifies mockers as those who openly treat God's authority with contempt, leading to sorrow and judgment ^[17].

Divine anger is a recurring theme in the consequences for those who mock and disobey God. Disobedience to God provokes His anger (Psalm 78:10,40; Isaiah 3:8) ^[4]. Furthermore, forming alliances and societies with the enemies of God, which can involve participating in their mockery of divine things, is forbidden and provokes God's anger (Deuteronomy 7:4; 31:16,17; 2 Chronicles 19:2; Ezra 9:13,14; Psalm 106:29,40; Isaiah 2:6) ^[7]. This anger is described as righteous (Psalm 58:10,11; Lamentations 1:18; Romans 2:6,8; 3:5,6; Revelation 16:6,7) and is manifested in terrors and judgments (Exodus 14:24; Psalm 76:6-8; Jeremiah 10:10; Lamentations 2:20-22) ^[3].

The ultimate punishment for those who hate Yahweh is described as lasting forever (Psalm 81:15) ^[6]. This aligns with the broader biblical understanding that God's holiness and justice do not tolerate oppression or those who do evil, and He rejects proud sinners ^[15]. While God's anger is slow (Psalm 103:8; Isaiah 48:9; Jonah 4:2; Nahum 1:3), it is also just, and its justice is not to be questioned (Romans 9:18,20,22) ^[3].

The concept of blasphemy is closely related to mockery. Blasphemy is defined as proceeding from the heart (Matthew 15:19) and is forbidden (Exodus 20:7; Colossians 3:8) ^[8]. The wicked are addicted to blasphemy (Psalm 74:18; Isaiah 52:5; 2 Timothy 3:2; Revelation 18:11,21) ^[8]. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is specifically identified as unpardonable (Matthew 12:31,32) ^[8].

In terms of ecclesiastical discipline, early Christian canons also addressed forms of disrespect and abuse. For instance, the Ecclesiastical Canons of the Holy Apostles state that if any cleric abuses his bishop unjustly, he should be deprived, citing the scripture, "Thou shall not speak evil of the ruler of thy people" ^[13]. Similarly, Ignatius of Antioch, in his letter to Polycarp, warns against despising a bishop, even a young one, stating, "it is a fearful thing to contradict any such person" ^[14]. This suggests that disrespect towards spiritual authority, a form of harassment, was also subject to ecclesiastical penalties.

Theological traditions have also considered the implications of associating with unbelievers and mockers. Thomas Aquinas, in his Summa Theologica, discusses communication with unbelievers, noting that it can be forbidden for two reasons: as a punishment for the unbeliever and for the safety of the faithful ^[11]. This reflects a concern for both the consequences for the unfaithful and the protection of the community from their negative influence, which could include mockery and harassment. Aquinas also addresses the idea of eternal punishment, affirming that some who receive the sacraments of faith may still face eternal punishment if they do not live according to that faith, countering the idea that mere reception of sacraments guarantees immunity from punishment ^[12].

Sources

Proverbs “Penalties are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the backs of fools. -- Proverbs 19:29”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Scorning and Mocking — The sufferings of Christ by, predicted -- Ps 22:6-8; Isa 53:3; Lu 18:32. Christ endured -- Mt 9:24; 27:29. Saints endure, on account of Being children of God. -- Ge 21:9; Ga 4:29. Their uprightness. -- Job 12:4. Their faith. -- Heb 11:36. Their faithfulness in declaring the word of God. -- Jer 20:7,8. Their zeal for God's house. -- Ne 2:19. The wicked indulge in, against The second coming of Christ. -- 2Pe 3:3,4. The gifts of the Spirit. -- Ac 2:13. God's threatening. -- Isa 5:19; Jer 17:15. God's ministers. -- 2Ch 36:16. God's ordinances. -- L”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Anger of God, The — Averted by Christ -- Lu 2:11,14; Ro 5:9; 2Co 5:18,19; Eph 2:14,17; Col 1:20; 1Th 1:10. Is averted from them that believe -- Joh 3:14-18; Ro 3:25; 5:1. Is averted upon confession of sin and repentance -- Job 33:27,28; Ps 106:43-45; Jer 3:12,13; 18:7,8; 31:18-20; Joe 2:12-14; Lu 15:18-20. Is slow -- Ps 103:8; Isa 48:9; Jon 4:2; Na 1:3. Is righteous -- Ps 58:10,11; La 1:18; Ro 2:6,8; 3:5,6; Re 16:6,7. The justice of, not to be questioned -- Ro 9:18,20,22. Manifested in terrors -- Ex 14:24; Ps 76:6-8; Jer 10:10; La 2:20-22. Manifested in judgments and”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Disobedience to God — Provokes his anger -- Ps 78:10,40; Isa 3:8. Forfeits his favour -- 1Sa 13:14. Forfeits his promised blessings -- Jos 5:6; 1Sa 2:30; Jer 18:10. Brings a curse -- De 11:28; 28:15. A characteristic of the wicked -- Eph 2:2; Tit 1:16; 3:3. The wicked persevere in -- Jer 2:21. Heinousness of, illustrated -- Jer 35:14. Men prone to excuse -- Ge 3:12,13. Shall be punished -- Isa 42:24,25; Heb 2:2. Acknowledge the punishment of, to be just -- Ne 9:32,33; Da 9:10,11,14. Warnings against -- 1Sa 12:15; Jer 12:17. Bitter results of, illustrated -- Jer 9:13,”
King James Version “[KJV] Isaiah 13:11 — And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.”
Psalms “The haters of Yahweh would cringe before him, and their punishment would last forever. -- Psalms 81:15”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Alliance and Society With the Enemies of God — Forbidden -- Ex 23:32; 34:12; De 7:2,3; 13:6,8; Jos 23:6,7; Jdj 2:2; Ezr 9:12; Pr 1:10,15; 2Co 6:14-17; Eph 5:11. Lead to idolatry -- Ex 34:15,16; Nu 25:1-8; De 7:4; Jdj 3:5-7; Re 2:20. Have led to murder and human sacrifice -- Ps 106:37,38. Provoke the anger of God -- De 7:4; 31:16,17; 2Ch 19:2; Ezr 9:13,14; Ps 106:29,40; Isa 2:6. Provoke God to leave mean to reap the fruits of them -- Jos 23:12,13; Jdj 2:1-3. Are ensnaring -- Ex 23:33; Nu 25:18; De 12:30; 13:6; Ps 106:36. Are enslaved -- 2Pe 2:18,19. Are defiling -- Ez”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Blasphemy — Christ assailed with -- Mt 10:25; Lu 22:64,65; 1Pe 4:14. Charged upon Christ -- Mt 9:2,3; 26:64,65; Joh 10:33,36. Charged upon saints -- Ac 6:11,13. Proceeds from the heart -- Mt 15:19. Forbidden -- Ex 20:7; Col 3:8. The wicked addicted to -- Ps 74:18; Isa 52:5; 2Ti 3:2; Re 18:11,21. Idolatry counted as -- Isa 65:7; Eze 20:27,28. Hypocrisy counted as -- Re 2:9. Saints grieved to hear -- Ps 44:15,16; 74:10,18,22. Gives no occasion for -- 2Sa 12:14; 1Ti 6:1. Against the Holy Spirit, unpardonable -- Mt 12:31,32. Connected with folly and pride -- 2Ki 19:22; P”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Fools — All men are, without the knowledge of God -- Tit 3:3. Deny God -- Ps 14:1; 53:1. Blaspheme God -- Ps 74:18. Reproach God -- Ps 74:22. Make a mock at sin -- Pr 14:9. Despise instruction -- Pr 1:7; 15:5. Hate knowledge -- Pr 1:22. Delight not in understanding -- Pr 18:2. Sport themselves in mischief -- Pr 10:23. Walk in darkness -- Ec 2:14. Hate to depart from evil -- Pr 13:19. Worship of, hateful to God -- Ec 5:1. Are Corrupt and abominable. -- Ps 14:1. Self-sufficient. -- Pr 12:15; Ro 1:22. Self-confident. -- Pr 14:16. Self-deceivers. -- Pr 14:8. Mere profess”
Isaiah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Isaiah 28:13: Wherefore hear the word of the Lord, ye scornful men,.... Men of scorn and mockery, that scoffed and mocked at the word of God, as in the preceding verse Isa 28:13; or at the threatenings of punishment; and even made a jest of death and hell, as in the following words: "the word of the Lord" they are called upon to hear, hearken, and attend to, is either the word of promise of the Messiah, Isa 28:16 or rather the word threatening them with ruin, Isa 28:18 or it may be both: that rule this people which is in Jerusalem; which must not be understood of the chief ruler”
theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Second Part of the Second Part (Secunda Secundae), Of Unbelief in General, Art. 9: Article: Whether it is lawful to communicate with unbelievers? I answer that, Communication with a particular person is forbidden to the faithful, in two ways: first, as a punishment of the person with whom they are forbidden to communicate; secondly, for the safety of those who are forbidden to communicate with others. Both motives can be gathered from the Apostle's words (1 Cor. 5:6). For after he had pronounced sentence of excommunication, he adds as his reason: "Know you not that a”
theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Supplement (Supplementum), Of God's Mercy and Justice towards the Damned, Art. 4: Article: Whether the punishment of Christians is brought to an end by the mercy of God? I answer that, According to Augustine (De Civ. Dei xxi, 20,21), there have been some who predicted a delivery from eternal punishment not for all men, but only for Christians. although they stated the matter in different ways. For some said that whoever received the sacraments of faith would be immune from eternal punishment. But this is contrary to the truth, since some receive the sacraments of fai”
Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 7: Lactantius, Venantius, Asterius, Victorinus, Dionysius — THE ECCLESIASTICAL CANONS OF THE SAME HOLY APOSTLES.(1) (part 7): any bishop, or presbyter, or deacon does not on festival days partake of flesh or wine, let him be deprived, as "having a seared conscience,"(9) and becoming a cause of scandal to many. 54. If any one of the clergy be taken eating in a tavern, let him be suspended, excepting when he is forced to bait at an inn upon the road.(10) 55. If any one of the clergy abuses his bishop unjustly, let him be deprived; for says the Scripture, "Thou shall not speak evil of the”
Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 1: Clement, Polycarp, Ignatius, Barnabas, Papias, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus — CHAP. III.--HONOUR YOUR YOUTHFUL BISHOP. (part 2): is to be despised who is of a wicked mind, although he be old, and full of wicked days.(11) Timothy the Christ-bearer was young, but hear what his teacher writes to him: "Let no man despise try youth, but be thou an example of the believers in word and in conduct."(12) It is becoming, therefore, that ye also should be obedient to your bishop, and contradict him in nothing; for it is a fearful thing to contradict any such person. For no one does [by such conduct”
Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 5:5: 5:5 the proud: Mockers (see study note on 1:1), the wicked (73:3; 75:4), and the arrogant (10:2) use their mouths to twist truth and challenge the faith of the godly. • The Lord allows only the godly into his presence (see 1:5). His holiness and justice do not tolerate oppression or those who do evil. • you hate: The Lord rejects proud sinners (see also 11:5).”
Hebrews (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hebrews 11:36: Had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings - We do not know the cases to which the apostle refers. The mockings here can never mean such as those of Ishmael against Isaac, or the youths of Bethel against Elisha. It is more probable that it refers to public exhibitions of the people of God at idol feasts and the like; and Samson's case before Dagon, when the Philistines had put out his eyes, is quite in point. As to scourgings, this was a common way of punishing minor culprits: and even those who were to be punished capitally were first scourged. See the case of ou”
Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 5:18: 5:18-19 What sorrow: The third threat of judgment was against mockers, who openly treated God’s authority with contempt. 5:18 God’s ropes were “ropes of kindness and love” for Israel (Hos 11:4).”
Isaiah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Isaiah 28:21: Now therefore be ye not mockers,.... At the words of the prophets, and the judgments denounced by them, which is very common, when they are deferred, and not immediately executed: this was the case before the destruction of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans, and one cause of it, Ch2 36:16 and also by the Romans; see Act 13:41, lest your bands be made strong; punishment become heavier, and more grievous; and so the Syriac version renders it; as prisoners that attempt to make their escape have their bonds and fetters made faster, and so are put to more pain and distress; to”

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