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H938 · Hebrew · Old Testament
בּוּז
Buz
Noun, masculine
Contempt / Scorn

Definition

Contempt, scorn, or the one who is despised. As a common noun it denotes that which is held in low regard. As a proper name, Buz was a son of Nahor (Abraham's brother), and 'the Buzite' is the tribal identity of Elihu in Job.

Usage & Theological Significance

The word buz carries the idea of treating something as worthless, dismissing it with contempt. Proverbs repeatedly warns that wisdom begins with those who do not buz — who do not despise instruction (Proverbs 1:7). Contempt and wisdom are inversely related in Proverbs: the scoffer despises correction, while the wise man welcomes rebuke. God himself is scorned by the nations but will have the last word (Psalm 2).

Key Bible Verses

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Job 32:2 But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God.
Proverbs 11:12 Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.
Esther 1:17 The queen's conduct will become known to all the women, and so they will despise their husbands.
Psalm 22:6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people.

Related Words

External Resources

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