Mocking others may seem harmless to some, but the Bible speaks strongly against it.
Whether through words, actions, or attitudes, mocking can tear others down and create division.
In a world where people are quick to ridicule, laugh at others’ mistakes, or shame them, Scripture calls believers to a higher standard.
Mocking is not just a joke—it can be a form of pride, cruelty, and even sin.
The Bible warns that those who mock others are not reflecting God’s character.
Instead of tearing people down, God calls us to build them up.
So, what does the Bible say about mocking others?
Let’s take a deeper look at how Scripture addresses this issue.
The Bible Condemns Mocking
From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the Bible warns against mocking others.
Proverbs 14:21 says, “Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
Despising and mocking go hand in hand.
When people make fun of others, they show a lack of love, respect, and kindness.
Proverbs 3:34 warns, “He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.”
God does not take lightly the act of mocking others.
Instead, He stands against those who use their words to humiliate or degrade others.
The Bible also warns that mocking can bring consequences.
In Proverbs 19:29, it says, “Penalties are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.”
This shows that mockery leads to discipline, whether from God, others, or the natural consequences of broken relationships.
Mocking Stems from Pride
One of the biggest reasons people mock others is pride.
Mocking often comes from a heart that sees itself as superior.
People laugh at others’ mistakes because they feel better about themselves.
They criticize weaknesses in others while ignoring their own faults.
But the Bible warns against this attitude.
Proverbs 21:24 says, “The proud and arrogant person—‘Mocker’ is his name—behaves with insolent fury.”
Mocking is often a symptom of arrogance.
Instead of lifting others up, it pushes them down.
Jesus told a parable in Luke 18:9-14 about a Pharisee and a tax collector.
The Pharisee proudly looked down on others, boasting about his righteousness.
But the tax collector humbled himself before God.
Jesus said the humble man was justified, not the proud one.
Mocking is often rooted in the same pride that the Pharisee had.
It elevates oneself while demeaning others.
The Danger of Mocking the Needy
Mocking those who are struggling is especially condemned in Scripture.
Proverbs 17:5 states, “Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.”
This verse reveals that when people mock those in hardship, they are mocking God Himself.
God has a heart for the broken, the hurting, and the weak.
To mock them is to reject His love and compassion.
The Bible also warns against taking pleasure in others’ suffering.
Obadiah 1:12 says, “You should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble.”
When people laugh at someone’s downfall, they are acting in direct opposition to God’s heart.
Jesus Was Mocked, Yet He Showed Love
One of the greatest examples of mocking in the Bible is how Jesus was treated.
As He was being led to the cross, people spat on Him, insulted Him, and mocked His claims of being the Son of God.
Matthew 27:29-31 describes how the Roman soldiers placed a crown of thorns on His head and mockingly bowed to Him, calling Him the “King of the Jews.”
Yet, in the face of this cruel mockery, Jesus did not respond with anger or revenge.
Instead, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
Jesus’ response to being mocked was love, forgiveness, and humility.
He set the perfect example of how believers should respond when they are insulted or ridiculed.
Instead of returning mockery with more mockery, Jesus teaches us to respond with grace.
Mocking Others Leads to Judgment
The Bible makes it clear that those who mock others will one day be held accountable.
Matthew 12:36 states, “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”
God hears every cruel joke, every insult, and every sarcastic remark.
He will not overlook words spoken to harm others.
Mocking may seem like a small thing, but words have power.
James 3:6 says, “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.
It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”
Words can destroy relationships, wound hearts, and turn people away from God.
Mocking is not harmless—it has real consequences.
Building Others Up Instead of Mocking
Instead of using words to mock, the Bible encourages believers to use words to uplift.
Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Words should encourage, strengthen, and bless others.
Colossians 3:12 urges believers to “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Mocking does the opposite of this.
It lacks compassion, shows no kindness, and is often rooted in pride rather than humility.
Instead of tearing people down, God calls His followers to be a source of encouragement.
How to Respond to Mocking
If you have been mocked by others, the Bible gives guidance on how to respond.
Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Responding with kindness rather than more insults can defuse conflict.
Jesus also taught in Matthew 5:44, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Rather than seeking revenge or responding with mockery, Jesus tells believers to pray for those who insult them.
It is not easy to love those who mock, but it is the way of Christ.
Romans 12:19 reminds believers to leave justice in God’s hands: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
Seeking Forgiveness for Mocking Others
If you have mocked others in the past, there is hope.
God offers forgiveness to those who repent.
1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Mocking others is a sin, but it is not beyond God’s grace.
Those who recognize their wrongs and turn away from mockery can find mercy and a fresh start.
James 4:6 reminds us, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
A humble heart seeks to lift others up rather than tear them down.
Final Thoughts
The Bible is clear—mocking others is not part of a godly life.
It stems from pride, cruelty, and a lack of love.
God calls His people to use their words to encourage, not to destroy.
Mocking others can bring consequences, not just in relationships but also in one’s spiritual life.
Yet, for those who have mocked, there is always the chance to repent and seek forgiveness.
God desires His people to reflect His love, treating others with respect and kindness.
Instead of mockery, let’s choose words that honor God and build others up.