Proverbs 29:8 - Homiletics

Scornful men

The evil of a contemptuous treatment of life and duty is to be seen in many relations. Let us consider some of them.

I. SCORN FOR THE PEOPLE . This was the temper of the old monarchical and aristocratic systems. The mischief of it was seen in the explosion of the French Revolution. The "dim multitude" cannot be treated as so much chaff of the threshing floor. The nation is the people. The first interest of the nation is the welfare of the great bulk of the population, not the luxury of what is regarded as "the cream of society"

II. SCORN FOR THE POOR . This was the attitude of the wealthy Jews in ancient Israel, which called forth stern rebukes from the prophets of God ( e . g . Amos 6:3-6 ); and the same fault was detected in the Christian Church by St. James ( James 2:1-3 ). The indifference which too many of the prosperous feel for their hard-pressed, suffering brethren is one of the most dangerous symptoms of society. It lies at the root of socialism.

III. SCORN FOR INJUSTICE . In some cases there is worse than poverty; there is Positive wrong doing. The powerful oppress the weak. Strong masters hold down miserable slaves. This evil condition was a perpetual cause of danger to Rome in its most prosperous age. It is seen in the "sweating system" in England today.

IV. SCORN FOR DANGER . Misery and injustice are sources of danger. But other and direct dangers may menace a country. The scorn of pride will be no security against those dangers. We shall not be protected by staging, "Rule, Britannia," or by shouting, "Britons never shall be slaves."

V. SCORN FOR WICKEDNESS . The greatest danger of the state is not in poverty at home; nor is it in war from abroad. It lies in the moral corruption of the people. Wholesale debauchery, widespread drunkenness, a perfect epidemic of gambling, profligacy, dishonesty,—these are the cankers that eat out the vital strength of a nation. Indifference to such evils is contempt for moral law.

VI. SCORN FOR RELIGION . In the race for wealth, in the dance of pleasure, in the mad orgy of worldly engagement, multitudes treat the claims of religion with scorn. Others, in their misery and despair, refuse to believe that any help or hope can come to them from heaven. This scornful attitude towards the first duties and the highest interests of life must be fraught with fatal consequences. Meanwhile the scornful attitude entirely excludes the beginnings of better things, Humility and repentance are impossible so long as this defiant mood is cherished.