The Scorner Destroys a Family Legacy

Proverbs 13:1
A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

Scorner – what an ugly word. Here is how Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines scorn.

Extreme contempt; that disdain which springs from a person’s opinion of the meanness [lowliness, ordinariness] of an object, and a consciousness or belief of his own superiority or worth.

Now think how ugly it is for a son to treat his father and his father’s instruction with scorn when his father’s only desire is for his son’s good.

Now it is important to distinguish between a scorner who expresses his contempt out of his own misguided high opinion of himself (his opinion of himself is a constant and therefore his contempt is indiscriminate) and a person who expresses contempt for that which is truly contemptible (by God’s definition). For example the Psalmist has the highest praise for this man.

“In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.” (Psalm 15:4)

But today's text speaks of a scorner and contrasts it with a wise son, such as Solomon, who was a wise son under the instruction of his father, King David.

“For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.” (Proverbs 4:3-4)

But as we noticed in yesterday’s blog post, the scorner is like an animal in his lack of understanding.

“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” (Proverbs 12:1)

“A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.” (Proverbs 15:5)

Here’s how Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines prudent.

Cautious; circumspect; practically wise; careful of the consequences of enterprises, measures or actions; cautious not to act when the end is of doubtful utility, or probably impracticable.

Now what could be more necessary in the building of a successful Family Legacy than prudence? In fact, scornful disregard for reproof and instruction is a sure way to destroy a Family Legacy.

“Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.” (Proverbs 15:10)

“He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” (Proverbs 29:1)

So if you want your Family Legacy to be fruitful and enduring, then do this.

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:1-3)