Proverbs 22:10

Proverbs 22:10, in plain English

When you remove someone from a group who constantly mocks and ridicules, the whole atmosphere changes—arguments stop because the person stirring them up is gone.

Why it's here

Solomon's describing group dynamics that haven't changed in three thousand years. One person with a mocking spirit, always taking jabs, undermining, laughing at others' values, creates an environment where people are defensive and combative. Remove that person, and people can actually relate. This isn't about excluding everyone who disagrees; it's about removing the intentional mocker.

Who's speaking

Solomon, observing how people interact in community

Where it sits in the story

This principle shows up in Paul's letters about church discipline—sometimes you do need to separate from those who are intentionally disruptive so the community can flourish. It's not judgment; it's protection for the whole.

The scholarly reading

Remove the scoffer from community deliberation, and conflict and contempt will cease—derision is toxically contagious and must be excised.

Language and setting

The לֵץ (lets, 'scoffer/mocker') is not merely the person who disagrees but one who weaponizes ridicule as a means of evading accountability and truth. The verb גָּרַשׁ (garash, 'drive out/expel') is forceful and suggests that some individuals are incompatible with truthful discourse. The result—that 'conflict will depart' (יִשְׁקֹט רִיב, yishkot rib, literally 'strife will quiet')—indicates that the scoffer is not a neutral participant but an active generator of discord. This reflects ancient and modern experience: contempt is a toxin that spreads through groups and destroys the possibility of shared deliberation.

Voice

The wisdom teacher, offering pragmatic guidance on maintaining communities of learning and accountability.

Significance

This principle stands against both permissiveness and false inclusivity: the gospel welcomes repentant sinners, but it also recognizes that some stances are inimical to truth-seeking. Paul employs this logic when he advises communities to mark and avoid divisive people (Titus 3:10). The verse acknowledges that wisdom communities require discernment about who can participate in honest dialogue and who brings only disruption.

8He who sows injustice will reap disaster, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.

9A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.

10Drive out the mocker, and conflict will depart; even quarreling and insults will cease.

11He who loves a pure heart and gracious lips will have the king for a friend.

12The LORD’s eyes keep watch over knowledge, but He frustrates the words of the faithless.

Read all of Proverbs 22 — A good name is more desirable than great riches. Train up a child in the way he should go. Proverbs that have shaped civilizations.