Note 19 at 1 Th. 5:20: The English word "despise" was translated from the Greek word EXOUTHENEO, which means "to make utterly nothing of, i.e. despise" (Strong). The word not only depicts contempt or hatred but it can mean as little as to ignore. It was translated "set at naught" three times in the New Testament. (Lk. 23:11; Acts 4:11; Rom. 14:10). Paul's admonition is to not hate, dislike, or ignore prophecy.

Note 20 at 1 Th. 5:20: Why would anyone despise any utterance that came from God? In the case of prophecy, it's because the listeners may not be convinced God is the author of what is being said. Judging prophecy is highly subjective. It is easy to discredit the message because of the messenger. It takes effort on our part to look past the human instrument and get the true message coming from God.