Proverbs 21:24 Meaning: Why Pride Makes a Scoffer
The proud and arrogant man—“Scoffer” is his name— he works in the arrogance of pride.
Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
The proud and haughty man, scoffer is his name; He worketh in the arrogance of pride.
Proud, haughty, scorner is his name, Who is working in the wrath of pride.
Proud, arrogant, scorner is his name who dealeth in proud wrath.
Meaning in one sentence
What does Proverbs 21:24 mean? The verse links pride and scoffing, showing that a scornful attitude comes from an overflow of arrogance.
Context
This verse sits in a chapter of Proverbs full of brief, pointed contrasts between wisdom and foolishness. Around it we find warnings about lazy hands, false witnesses, and the danger of treating others with contempt. The book of Proverbs often speaks of “the scoffer” as a particular kind of person, not just someone who jokes around, but one who stubbornly rejects instruction and looks down on others. Verse 24 gives a close-up portrait of that person, naming the pride that fuels his scorn. The surrounding verses remind us that God sees the heart, and that a life built on pride ends badly.
Key Words
Three Hebrew words pile up to describe this person. First, zed (proud) and yahir (arrogant), two words of self-exaltation, as if the writer wants us to see the sheer weight of the man’s conceit. Then comes the label lets (scoffer, mocker), the same word used in Psalm 1 for those who sit in the seat of mockers. It names someone who treats what is wise and holy with contempt.
The final phrase is especially telling: “he works in the evrah of pride.” Evrah literally means “overflow” or “outburst,” like water spilling over a bank. So the scoffer’s pride doesn’t stay inside. It gushes out in his words and actions. He makes a trade of it, he works in arrogance habitually. The verse warns that this kind of pride is not a passing mood; it becomes a way of life.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have read this verse as a sobering definition of the scoffer. The Cambridge Bible (Anglican) notes that the Hebrew phrase “arrogance of pride” could be translated “unbridled pride”, a picture of someone out of control. Keil and Delitzsch (Protestant) connect the scoffer to a historical figure who sets himself above revealed faith, treating it with destructive criticism. Matthew Henry (Presbyterian) says such pride exposes a person to sin and to shame, because it makes them scornful and angry in their dealings. Gill (Baptist) applies the passage to anyone who makes a habit of angry pride, even seeing it as a mark of spiritual rebellion. All agree that the verse identifies a heart condition that leads to contempt for both God and neighbor.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers think this verse only describes people who openly mock God or religion. In fact, the Hebrew term “scoffer” (lets) in Proverbs includes anyone who rejects wise counsel and treats others with contempt. The phrase “works in the arrogance of pride” makes it a pattern of life, not just a label for unbelievers. It is a warning for every heart that has ever rolled its eyes at another person’s idea or spoken with disdain.
Living This Out
This week, watch for the moments when pride rises in you as scoffing. It might be a sharp reply to a family member, a dismissive thought about a coworker’s suggestion, or a habit of mocking people you disagree with. The verse calls that behavior by its real name: working in the arrogance of pride. You don’t need to fix the label; you can admit the pattern. Ask God to give you a humble heart that listens instead of scoffs, and a tongue that builds up instead of tears down.
Main takeaway: A proud heart naturally scoffs at others, and this verse warns us to recognize that pattern and turn toward humility.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
When we think we are better than others, we might say mean things. God wants us to be kind and humble. If you feel like laughing at someone or being proud, ask God to help you be gentle.
For ages 9, 12
Pride can make us act like we know everything and everyone else is wrong. That’s what the Bible calls being a scoffer. It’s when you look down on others. But wisdom starts with listening and being humble. This week, when you feel proud, remember that God honors humility. You don’t have to prove you are the best; you can ask God for a quiet heart.
Questions People Ask
What does 'scoffer' mean in Proverbs?
In Proverbs, a scoffer is someone who proudly rejects instruction and mocks wisdom. It is a character type that refuses correction and lives in arrogant pride. The word appears often in the book as a warning.
What does 'works in the arrogance of pride' mean?
The Hebrew word for 'arrogance' here is 'evrah', which means an overflow or outburst. So the scoffer does not just feel proud; he continually acts on that pride, making it his habit. His life is driven by an overflow of arrogance.
Is this verse only about people who mock God?
Not only. The scoffer also scoffs at wise advice and at people. It is any proud attitude that dismisses others with contempt. The verse describes a heart condition that shows itself in how we treat everyone around us.
How is this verse connected to Psalm 1:1?
Psalm 1:1 says the blessed person does not walk, stand, or sit in the seat of scoffers. Proverbs 21:24 describes exactly what that seat looks like: proud, arrogant, working in pride. Together they form a strong warning to avoid that posture.
What is the difference between being proud and being a scoffer?
Everyone feels proud sometimes, but a scoffer makes a lifestyle of it. The verse says he 'works' in arrogance, as if it is his regular activity. The danger is when pride becomes a settled habit of looking down on others and rejecting correction.
For pastors & researchers
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