· Translation: KJV

Proverbs 22:10Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out; yes, quarrels and insults will stop.

The setting

Ancient Israel, ~950 BC. The royal court where King Solomon dispensed wisdom to nobles and commoners seeking guidance on handling disruptive people in their communities.

The emotion here: frustrated by observing how one scoffer ruins entire groups

The original word

luts (לֵץ) — not just a joker, but one who scorns sacred things and undermines authority

Why it matters

In ancient courts, a single mocker could destabilize entire councils by turning serious discussions into ridicule

Read with care

What most readers miss in Proverbs 22:10

This isn't about humor - it's about people who mock what others hold sacred

Common misconceptionPeople think this means cut off anyone who disagrees with you, but it specifically targets those who MOCK and SCORN, not those who simply have different opinions.

Bible Genome reading

Proverbs 22:10 — Bible Genome reading

SpeakerSolomon
EraUnited Kingdom
Primary emotiondeciding
Literary typewisdom
MarkPromise of God
MarkCommand

Emotional genome

Comfort power30%
Quotability70%
Memorability60%
Crisis relevance60%
Standalone80%
Themes:conflict resolutionwisdom

In context

No verse stands alone.

Read the conversation around it.

Open Proverbs 22

Proverbs 22:10 comes from the book of Proverbs, written during the United Kingdom period. These words are attributed to Solomon. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 30% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the wisdom genre of biblical literature. Key themes include conflict resolution, wisdom. Notable phrases: drive out the mocker; strife will go out. This verse contains a promise of God. This verse contains a command.

Your reflection

What does Proverbs 22:10 mean to you, today?

A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.

Speak your heart →

Get 3 verses for "deciding"

Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.