DEUT285 Our Sages, z"l, have explained the nature of an epikoros (Sanhedrin 99b) as one who does not conduct himself out of a reference for Torah scholars, even if he does not belittle them, such as one who belittles another in the presence of a Torah scholar, without showing respect for the scholar's Torah. [He would not act in such a pompous manner before an important official.] Since he does not sufficiently venerate the Torah to treat it in a respectful manner, he has no share in the World to Come--for this too is counted as one who has desecrated the Torah. Consequently, our Sages, z"l, (Pesachim 22b), "You shall fear Hashem, your God' [this verse] -- this includes Torah scholars."