Contemplative Bible Reading

Sometimes I think that I can work with anyone. I am smart enough, have the knowledge, have the patience, and have whatever it takes to work agreeably with anyone. Then, I read this verse from Proverbs.

Proverbs 22:10 (New International Version)

Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.

Maybe, just maybe, I need to stop trying so hard to work with some people. Maybe, just maybe, I am not smart enough, knowledgeable enough, patience enough, or have enough of whatever is needed. Maybe I am not perfect when it comes to working with people.

Sometimes there are people who won’t work with others. Sometimes there are people who bring strife, quarrels, and insults with them. Sometimes it is time for those people to leave.

I am not sure what this verse means by the word “mocker.” The site dictionary.com defines mocker as “one who treats with riducule or contempt.” I suppose Proverbs is talking about a mocker as a person who ridicules those around him. Who wants to be around someone who is ridiculing you all the time? In that light, I suppose the answer is pretty easy. Perhaps it isn’t wise to try to be so everything that I often think I am.