Tuesday | 02 June 2026
Those who despise others and, through their presumptive judgements, despise the word, ultimately despise themselves. They progressively become weary and depressed, particularly when their own righteousness, or their perceptions, are not validated by others. They can become a vengeful victim of others or of their circumstances.
This principle was acutely manifest by Judas, who rejected and despised Christ’s teaching concerning His death, burial and resurrection. From Judas’ perspective, the teachings of Jesus and His engagement with the Jews were counterproductive; they were hindering His manifestation as the Messiah. Judas took it upon himself to connect Jesus with the Jewish council. He presumed that Jesus would make Himself known to them through the demonstration of a fitting sign. When it was apparent that Jesus would die on account of Judas’ betrayal, Judas committed suicide as the ultimate expression of self‑righteousness. This was the action of a man who despised himself.
Depression associated with despising oneself belongs to unbelief. Act 13:40‑41. The scorner does not believe. This is because they trust in their own understanding of the word and its rationalisation through the law of their mind. That is, ‘despising’ belongs to the other law. It follows that the weariness and depression that results from despising oneself is not bankruptcy of spirit; and it does not belong to the kingdom of heaven. Mat 5:3. It is, in fact, an evil that is present with us. Rom 7:21.
Deliverance from this wearisome and self‑destructive way of living requires us to heed the instruction of Paul in his letter to the Hebrews. He explained that people become depressed, or discouraged in their soul, because they forget the exhortation that addresses them as a son of God: ‘My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor be discouraged [or depressed] when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.’ Heb 12:5‑6. Those who receive this exhortation first acknowledge that their weariness is because they despise the chastening of the Lord as they engage with the word through the law of their mind.
Further Study:
Hebrews 12
References:
Act 13:40-41
Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you: ‘Behold, you despisers, marvel and perish! For I work a work in your days, a work which you will by no means believe, though one were to declare it to you.’
Mat 5:3
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Rom 7:21
I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good.
Heb 12:5-6
And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: ‘My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.’