Biblical Examples of Showing Contempt
The best way to understand contempt is to look at some real examples. And luckily, there are plenty of moments in the Bible where contempt was shown that we can learn from.
Cain’s Hatred for Abel
In Genesis 4, we find two brothers, Cain and Abel, giving sacrifices to God. Cain brought a sacrifice of crops while Abel brought a sacrifice of the firstborn of his flock. While the Lord showed favor for Abel’s sacrifice, he didn’t for Cain’s sacrifice.
As a result, Cain was overcome with bitter anger and jealousy. His hatred led him to despise his own brother. So Cain told Abel to join him in the field. Once they reached the field, Cain killed Abel, showing complete disregard and contempt for him.
The Israelites’ Rebellion
After the Israelites were freed from Egypt, they found themselves in the wilderness against their wishes. Frustrated and angry, they began to grumble and complain.
Moses, Aaron, Joshua and Caleb tried to calm the crowds by reminding them of the promised land they would soon enter and asking them not to rebel against God. All they had to do was trust and follow him.
Unfortunately, the Israelites allowed their anger to override the promise, and they considered stoning the leaders. They despised their current circumstances and those who had led them there, even though something better was on the horizon.
In that moment, God spoke to Moses in Numbers 14:11 (NIV) saying, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the signs I have performed among them?”
The Israelites were showing contempt for God by failing to believe his promise and instead acting in anger. They cast aside the truth that God had already delivered them from so much. Instead, they embraced the lie that he’d abandoned them, leading them to rebel.