A mocker is a person who is excessively proud and arrogant (21:24). They are bullies full of insults, hatred, and strife (9:7-8, 22:10, 29:8). They resist correction (13:1, 15:12) even though they deserve flogging (19:25, 21:11). Unlike the humble and discerning they do not fear the Lord though they harbor and react to vague fears.
A mocker seeks wisdom, yet because he refused to fear the Lord he finds none for fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (9:10). A mocker refuses to acknowledge his burdened nature, though alone in dark places, it is his fixation.
A discerning person is exceedingly humble and gracious. They are a blessing to others full of kindness, goodness, and faithfulness. They accept correction and discipline (1:5, 15:4). Unlike the proud and arrogant the discerning fear the Lord and they house faith in him.
A time is coming, Jesus taught, that the mocker will cry out when he dies, “Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue because I am in agony in this fire,” for his soul will be in hell and the discerning Lazarus will be in paradise (Luke 16:24). The mocker will hear this reply, “Remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.” (Luke 16:25)
