It is common for people to regard something or someone as unworthy of interest or concern. However, the bible warns against such haughty attitudes and insensitive behavior.
Birthright: Esau was hungry and wanted food desperately. His younger brother Jacob was cooking food. Cunning Jacob asked Esau to give his birthright and receive food. Esau despised his birthright and gave it away for a one-time meal. (Genesis 25:34) By doing so, he lost his leadership role, priestly role, covenant blessing, and inheritance.
Israel despised the Lord: The Nation of Israel was not grateful for the deliverance from Egyptian slavery. Yet, they did not trust Him. Lord said that Israel had despised Him. (Numbers 14:11) Murmur, disobedience. Unbelief and rebellion were the sins.
Sacrifices: Eli was the High Priest serving the Lord. His successors were Hophni and Phinehas. But they were not godly. They despised the sacrifices that were presented and took any portion they liked from the altar. (I Samuel 2:17) Thus they dishonored God and mocked the worshippers.
Discipline of the Lord: People of God should not despise the discipline of the Lord. (Job 5:17; Proverbs 3:11-12) God as the Heavenly Father, disciplines, rebukes, and corrects His children.
Little ones: Lord Jesus Christ warned against despising little ones, children. (Matthew 18:10) The punishment is to be tied to a grinding stone and drowned in the water.
Despise others: The religious leaders including Pharisees despised others as sinners. Even in prayer, the Pharisees despised others as sinners. (Luke 18:9-14) The superiority complex, spiritual pride, and religious knowledge made them demean those who were created in the image of God. Lord declared that person as righteous and rejected the one who dared to exclude and reject others.
Small beginnings: People tend to despise small beginnings. (Zechariah 4:10) Mustard seed could be despised, but it could become a large tree. Lord Jesus and His disciples were despised by the Jewish religious establishment. Today, the church is global.
Prophecies: Paul warns believers not to despise prophecies, but should test such, without quenching the indwelling Spirit of God. (I Thessalonians 5:20-21)
Do I despise God, His Word, discipline, and others?