If we want to be among the blessed, if we want to be that HAPPY person, we need to look at this verse and consider it with respect to our own lives.

What does it mean to not “sit in the seat of mockers”? I pray this leads us to a season of self-examination.

The KJV actually uses the word "scornful," which sounds even more like something we should steer clear of, doesn't it?

The "scornful" or "mockers" are the worst of the other two ... they are those who make fun of the holy things of God. Imagine those things which God considers to be holy—things which are not to be made a mockery:

• Redemption Through the Blood of His Precious Son, Jesus Christ
• Atoning Work of Calvary
• The Cross
• Personal and Intercessory Prayer
• Fellowship Among Believers
• Bible Reading and Memorization
• Covenant of Marriage
• Sanctity of Life
• Family
• Obedience and Submission to the Word of God
• Holy Lifestyle
• Sanctification
• Baptism
• The Lord’s Supper (Communion)

And yet, many of these very things are regularly mocked and made fun of.  You turn on the television, and so many shows feature characters who mock the things of God. Famous personalities devise new ways to achieve eternal “peace” by twisting the Word of God and making all that is holy into some nonsensical nothingness; they want everyone to believe the Bible was created to limit mankind’s ability to express himself.

Just recently, I watched a show I rather liked, but was suddenly convicted because of the mockery the main character began making of Christ and Christianity. I realized I was "sitting in the seat of mockers" by not turning it off and by refusing to let that garbage enter my mind.

Famous, high-profile ministers preach a watered-down Gospel, a feel-good gospel, a master plan by which everyone is ultimately good and will go to heaven.  Because no personal accountability is required, people who lack discernment easily and eagerly believe the lies of the enemy—the lies of the mockers.

I believe there is significance also to the word "sit". You look at the entire verse: "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers" and you see a progression...

👣 Walk in the counsel of the wicked. With each step you take, your foot briefly touches a spot until you take the next step. You're moving; you don't remain in one place.

🧍🏻🧍🏼‍♀️ Stand in the way of sinners. Once you stop walking, you begin to stand. Not permanently, but you remain in one place but remain ready to move on at some point. You stand for a season (short or longer), then you continue taking steps toward your final destination.

🪑🪑🪑 Sit in the seat of mockers. Those who sit will find comfort and relief from walking and standing, and occupy a space for a time. Those seated will relax, feel at home, and enjoy the no-effort posture for sitting and learning. Sadly, however, those seated in the seat of mockers will find themselves trapped, making it difficult to get up and walk away, often times with baggage attached. It's a choice; it is finding pleasure in and being at ease with mockery, and with all that makes a mockery of the priceless purity of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.   

When we hear the scoffers and scorners, those who make light of the Kingdom of God and of His Christ, don't take a seat but put on your hiking boots. Don't allow yourselves to become comfortable with those who treat the holy as if it were a joke, profaning what God declares is holy.

With Psalms being the most-read book in the Bible, it is very fitting to open the first chapter with words warning readers to beware of those things that will lead us to stray from the truth of God's Word.

Reflect:
What are the things that so easily distract you when reading and meditating on the Word?

Prayer:
Father, thank you for this critical warning. Help us all to cling to the truth and reject any false teachings that lie in wait for us to stall our pursuit of Your truth. Amen.

_______
© 2026 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

“Sit often under the influence of God’s Word.”🌻
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