Derision: The Wicked Held In, by God
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In the biblical context, "derision" refers to the act of mocking or ridiculing someone. It is often used to describe God's response to the wicked and their futile attempts to oppose His divine will. The concept of God holding the wicked in derision is a recurring theme in Scripture, illustrating the ultimate futility of human arrogance and rebellion against the Almighty.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 2:1-4 : "Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: 'Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.' The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them." This passage vividly portrays God's response to the rebellious nations and their leaders. Despite their grandiose plans and defiance, God remains unthreatened and even amused by their efforts. His laughter signifies the absurdity of their rebellion and His supreme authority over all creation.

2. Proverbs 1:24-26 : "Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, because you neglected all my counsel, and wanted none of my correction, in turn I will mock your calamity; I will sneer when terror strikes you." Here, wisdom personified speaks of the consequences of ignoring divine instruction. The derision of God is depicted as a response to the stubbornness and rejection of His guidance, highlighting the inevitable downfall of those who choose to disregard His ways.

3. Psalm 37:12-13 : "The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming." This passage reassures the faithful that God is aware of the schemes of the wicked and is not perturbed by them. His laughter is a reminder that their time is limited and that divine justice will ultimately prevail.

Theological Implications:

The concept of God holding the wicked in derision underscores His sovereignty and the certainty of His justice. It serves as a warning to those who oppose Him and a comfort to the righteous who may suffer at the hands of the wicked. God's derision is not born out of malice but is a reflection of His omnipotence and the futility of resisting His will.

Practical Application:

For believers, understanding that God holds the wicked in derision can strengthen faith and patience in the face of adversity. It encourages trust in God's perfect timing and justice, reminding the faithful that no matter how powerful or successful the wicked may appear, their plans are ultimately in vain against the purposes of God. This assurance allows believers to focus on living righteously and to leave judgment and vengeance in the hands of the Lord.
Nave's Topical Index
Psalm 2:4
He that sits in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision.
Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 1:26
I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear comes;
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Library

Sovereignty of God in Administration
... natural instinct of these birds of prey was held in subjection ... nor that He will yet
bring the wicked to stand ... laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision" (v.4 ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter three sovereignty of god.htm

That Evil Comes of Sloth, and virtue from Diligence, and that ...
... On this account he left the wicked in the midst ... eye hath seen thee, wherefore I have
held myself to ... gibes, and raillery, and the mockery and derision, and the ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iii that evil comes.htm

Of the Eternal Election, by which God Has Predestinated Some to ...
... can be stated that they will not assail with derision. ... and ignoble body, nay, even
to the wicked and rebellious ... The same calling held good in the case of Jacob. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 21 of the eternal.htm

Letter xi. --For 339. Coss. Constantius Augustus ii, Constans I ...
... a proverb as this: The wicked is held fast by ... is defiled with the pollutions of the
wicked is not ... laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision [4343] .' Hence ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xi for 339 coss constantius.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... For any to say, in derision, you pray by the Spirit ... The wicked have them by providence;
the saints by promise ... who was of a mean family, I who held the shepherd's ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Labors in a New Field
... Many of the people were very wicked"most of them being ... I will go and grin at them
(in derision) through the ... So I held on steadily by the help of my brother ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xi labors in a.htm

Impiety of Attributing a visible Form to God. --The Setting up of ...
... 14) holds up the Jews to derision for worshipping ... of representing him are false and
wicked fictions; and ... Great assembled, but one which was held eight hundred ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 impiety of attributing.htm

The Birth of Mary the Holy Mother of God, and Very Glorious Mother ...
... I fear that some wicked person has given it to thee ... reproached, and they have driven
me in derision out of ... was twelve [1578] years old there was held a council ...
/.../unknown/the protevangelium of james/the birth of mary the.htm

A Discourse On
... if they live long they shall be held in no ... lawless deed with his hands, nor imagined
wicked things against ... was he whom aforetime we had in derision, and made a ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/ii a discourse on.htm

The Confession of the Society of Friends, Commonly Called Quakers. ...
... God, and one of those who in derision are called ... to God, neither makes any man less
wicked, or more ... chief principles of the doctrine of Christ, held forth in ...
/.../the confession of the society.htm

Resources
What is laminin? Is there any significance to laminin being in the shape of a cross? | GotQuestions.org

Why does God allow people to mock Him? | GotQuestions.org

How should a Christian view comedy? | GotQuestions.org

Derision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Derision

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Derision: The Evil Children of Beth-El Deride Elisha

Derision: The People of Israel Scoff at Hezekiah

Derision: The Wicked Held In, by God

Related Terms

Laughter (14 Occurrences)

Laughingstock (10 Occurrences)

Ridicule (14 Occurrences)

Mockery (12 Occurrences)

Scoff (18 Occurrences)

Mocking (25 Occurrences)

Mock (43 Occurrences)

Ridiculed (12 Occurrences)

Laugh (23 Occurrences)

Scorn (65 Occurrences)

Neighbours (34 Occurrences)

Oft (18 Occurrences)

Jeer (2 Occurrences)

Laughs (9 Occurrences)

Taunt (38 Occurrences)

Mocker (11 Occurrences)

Scoffing (11 Occurrences)

Shame (412 Occurrences)

Scoffs (5 Occurrences)

Neighbors (40 Occurrences)

Reproach (124 Occurrences)

Object (76 Occurrences)

Often (74 Occurrences)

Vinegar (11 Occurrences)

Vomit (12 Occurrences)

Nazarene (19 Occurrences)

Upwards (18 Occurrences)

Laughing-stock (3 Occurrences)

Leaped (10 Occurrences)

Laugheth (14 Occurrences)

Groan (32 Occurrences)

Gnash (12 Occurrences)

Wailed (11 Occurrences)

Wallow (5 Occurrences)

Wagged (1 Occurrence)

Water-courses (9 Occurrences)

Waggest (1 Occurrence)

Watercourses (14 Occurrences)

Insolent (16 Occurrences)

Insolence (11 Occurrences)

Faulty (4 Occurrences)

Thieves (25 Occurrences)

Ravines (17 Occurrences)

Ramp (9 Occurrences)

Resulted (4 Occurrences)

Ramps (8 Occurrences)

Reed (41 Occurrences)

Enticed (11 Occurrences)

Derided (12 Occurrences)

Defied (20 Occurrences)

Dogs (30 Occurrences)

Deriding (4 Occurrences)

Declined (11 Occurrences)

Disdained (6 Occurrences)

Derideth (1 Occurrence)

Derive (1 Occurrence)

Dismaying (1 Occurrence)

Dismay (16 Occurrences)

Mocketh (10 Occurrences)

By-word (6 Occurrences)

Bemoan (9 Occurrences)

Byword (14 Occurrences)

Builds (18 Occurrences)

Containeth (3 Occurrences)

Contains (17 Occurrences)

Clap (11 Occurrences)

Causest (25 Occurrences)

Cock (12 Occurrences)

Aha (11 Occurrences)

Song (207 Occurrences)

Scoffeth (2 Occurrences)

Spakest (12 Occurrences)

Sport (99 Occurrences)

Skippedst (1 Occurrence)

Swerved (4 Occurrences)

Surrounders (4 Occurrences)

Sister's (7 Occurrences)

Rubble (17 Occurrences)

Derision: The People of Israel Scoff at Hezekiah
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