Proverbs 18:3

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about contemptuous people:

Proverbs 18:3 (ESV)

When wickedness comes, contempt comes also,

and with dishonor comes disgrace.

This proverb may have a double meaning when we look at the sense of it.  The more prominent meaning may be that when a wicked person (or, a person who is practicing wickedness) joins an organization or group then right around the corner, so too will contempt.   Like the oder from a skunk, you can't help but have contempt stink up the room.  People who bring scorn and wicked behavior also bring dishonor and contempt onto others.    A secondary meaning may mean that when someone is full of wickedness and scorn they bring dishonor and contempt to themselves.   I believe Solomon may have meant both meanings.  Wicked behavior and scorn always bring dishonor and contempt, on all who are in their path and wake.    Don't bring a scorner into your camp.  It will only mean dishonor for all those involved.  

Perhaps the story of Jacob (Israel) saw this happen when he discovered his oldest son (Rueben) having an affair with his dead wife’s (Sarah) concubine (Bilhah).  Notice what he says about Rueben upon his death:

Genesis 49:3-4 (ESV)

“Reuben, you are my firstborn,

my might, and the firstfruits of my strength,

preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power.

Unstable as water, you shall not have preeminence,

because you went up to your father's bed;

then you defiled it—he went up to my couch!

Reuben’s wicked act brought contempt to Jacob (Israel).   This is what Solomon is saying in this proverb.