The “Versus” Verses: Week 2

THE “VERSUS” VERSES (WEEK 2): THE MOCKER VS. THE ENCOURAGER

• There is always a ‘VS.’

  • Somebody, something, some emotion, some other option there for the “fight”

The Mocker:

• A Heart That Tears Down:

  • The mocker rejects God’s wisdom

  • The mocker resists correction

  • The mocker stirs up drama, division, and constant tension

  • The mocker despises what God loves

• A Mouth that is dirty:

  • Constant sarcasm that belittles 

  • Speaking ill will to and about others

  • Treating ways of faith like they’re ‘too serious’ - passive

  • Harsh with outers and not welcome to engage in constructive or corrective conversations.

Proverbs 9:7 NLT: “Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return...”

Proverbs 9:8 NLT: “So don't bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you...”

Proverbs 21:24 NLT: Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance.

• Mock things when they are ignorant of them, afraid of them, or simply don’t know about them.

• By mocking, the mocker feels they have won or have superiority over others.

Proverbs 9:12 NIV: If you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

The Encourager:

• The heart that lifts up

  • Encouragement is a command, not a personality type

  • Encouragement is not for ‘positive people’ only; it’s the normal Christian life

  • Criticizing is void in conversations about others

  • Encouragement builds, not breaks

Ephesians 4:29: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up… that it may benefit those who listen.

• Our words are spiritual life to others in building them up. Encouragement promotes peace and growth

Romans 14:19: Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

• An encourager actively looks for ways to strengthen others

Proverbs 3:3–4 NIV: Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

Hebrews 10:24–25 NLT: Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

• Those who live in Christ’s ways

  • They notice people

  • They speak life

  • They stay when others walk away

  • They defend quietly

• The mocker tears down with pride, but the encourager builds up with grace. Every day we choose which voice we will use and which kind of person we will be.