International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia

Scoff; Scoffer:

skof, skof’-er: The verb indicates the manifestation of contempt by insulting words or actions; it combines bitterness with ridicule. It is much more frequent in the Revised Version (British and American) than in the King James Version, replacing “scorn” of the latter in Ps 1:1; Pr 1:22, etc. “Scorn” refers rather to an inner emotion based on a sense of superiority; “scoff,” to the outward expression of this emotion

There are many psalms. Is it strange that we discover the issue of the scoffer in the first verse of the first psalm.

Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

Imagine if you would, that you are trying to present the gospel to a stranger and when you say “God loves you!” their reply is “Do you say that to everyone?” Your reply would be “Yes” and then they retort, “Well that doesn’t make me feel special at all.”

Emotional superiority does not recognize the authority of anyone to bring them down to a level of needing anyone except an object of scorn.

Proverbs 1:24-26 English Standard Version

24 Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded, 25 because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you,

When terror strikes emotional superiority we fail to protect them, and terror will strike.

International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia

Terrible, Terror:

ter’-i-b’l, ter’-er (yare’,” to be feared,” “reverenced,” arits, “powerful,” “tyrannical,” ‘ayom, “aweinspiring,” chittith “terror,” ballahah, “a worn-out or wasted thing,” ‘emah, “fright”; phoberos, “dreadful,” phobos, “fear”): The above terms, and many others which employed, denote whatever, by horrible aspect, or by greatness, power, or cruelty, affrights men (De 1:19; 26:8; Da 2:31). God is terrible by reason of His awful greatness, His infinite power, His inscrutable dealings, His perfect holiness, His covenant faithfulness, His strict justice and fearful judgments

The scoffer does not recognize God’s authority and believes only in himself. Terror comes when he discovers he has been wrong his whole life. When judgment comes, intellect has no defense.

1 Corinthians 1:20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?