Bob Kellemen

The Hebrew word for “mocker,” sometimes translated “scoffer,” exposes a spiritual MRI of the chambers of the mocker’s heart. The relational mocker demeans, degrades, disparages, derides, and ridicules others. Mockers find pleasure in being an antagonist; they find gratification in belittling people. Mockers recklessly unleash uncontrolled anger and bitterness. Their lack of humility leads to an urge to humiliate others.

Of all people, we biblical counselors, who affirm the truthfulness of God’s all-sufficient Word, should maintain truthfulness in our statements about our brothers and sisters in Christ. Are we behaving as truthful biblical counselors, or are we characterized by mischaracterizing fellow biblical counselors? One month ago, on September 20, 2025, I was reading an article by Travis McNeely entitled, Elements of Truth or Eclecticism: Understanding Common Grace within the Biblical Counseling Framework.

Scripture exposes signs of toxic “leadership,” often contrasting toxic shepherds with the Good Shepherd. Toxic leaders overpower others instead of empowering others. Toxic leaders lord it over others. Toxic leaders are bullies. Luke 22:24-27: 24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that.