The Bible acknowledges humor but warns against jokes that are hurtful or obscene. It encourages speech that is edifying and beneficial, promoting kindness and consideration for others. Laughter and joy are appreciated, but the Bible advises wisdom in the way humor is used.
Want to know what the Bible says about joking? It’s all about balance – embracing joy and humor while being mindful of words and their impact.
What Does the Bible Say About Joking?
The Bible’s take on joking is quite balanced. It recognizes the value of laughter and joy, but also cautions against the misuse of humor.
Laughter and joy are seen as gifts from God. Several Psalms and Proverbs celebrate joy and laughter as part of a fulfilling life. This shows that humor, in its pure form, is appreciated and encouraged in the Bible.
However, the Bible also warns about the type of humor used. It specifically advises against coarse joking, obscenities, and hurtful remarks. Ephesians, for example, instructs believers to avoid obscene talk and foolish jesting. This is not about banning humor but about ensuring that it is healthy, uplifting, and not at the expense of others.
The principle of loving one’s neighbor as oneself, a central theme in the teachings of Jesus, applies to humor as well. Jokes should not be used to harm, belittle, or spread hate. Instead, humor should be used to uplift, encourage, and bring joy in a way that honors God and respects others.
Furthermore, the Bible advises using wisdom in speech, including humor. James talks about the power of the tongue and the importance of using words wisely. This wisdom extends to joking – knowing when to be humorous and when to be serious, understanding the context, and recognizing the impact of words.
Humor is also seen as a way to enrich communication and relationships. Proverbs mentions that a cheerful heart is good medicine. In this sense, humor can be healing and a means to foster positive interactions and relationships.
In summary, the Bible’s view on joking is about balancing the enjoyment of humor with responsibility and kindness. It encourages humor that is edifying, pure, and considerate, and cautions against using humor in ways that are harmful or disrespectful.
Bible Verses About Joking
- Ephesians 5:4 – “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” This verse explicitly advises against certain types of humor.
- Proverbs 17:22 – “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” This proverb recognizes the positive impact of cheerfulness, which can include wholesome humor.
- James 3:5-6 – “The tongue… is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire…” This passage highlights the power of speech, including humor, in influencing others and situations.
- Proverbs 15:13 – “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” This verse suggests that joy, which can be expressed through humor, has a beneficial effect on one’s demeanor and outlook.
- Colossians 3:8 – “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” This instruction includes avoiding hurtful or unclean humor.
- Proverbs 12:18 – “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” This verse can be applied to joking, emphasizing the importance of wise and considerate humor.
- Psalms 126:2 – “Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.” This Psalm celebrates joy and laughter, indicating their value in the life of believers.
- Matthew 12:36-37 – “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words, you will be condemned.” Jesus’ warning here can be extended to all forms of speech, including joking.
- Proverbs 18:21 – “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” This proverb underscores the significant impact of speech, guiding how humor should be used.
- Luke 6:31 – “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Known as the Golden Rule, this teaching by Jesus can guide the use of humor, ensuring it is respectful and kind.
- Proverbs 26:18-19 – “Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death is one who deceives their neighbor and says, ‘I was only joking!’” This verse cautions against using humor as a cover for deception or harm, highlighting the importance of sincerity and honesty in our interactions.
- Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” This verse, while not directly about joking, sets a standard for the kind of thoughts and speech that should characterize a believer’s life, including humor.
- Ecclesiastes 3:1,4 – “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” This passage acknowledges the appropriate time for laughter, suggesting that humor has its rightful place in life.
- Psalm 37:4 – “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” This verse encourages finding joy and delight in God, which can be reflected in a wholesome sense of humor that aligns with Christian values.
- Job 8:21 – “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.” This promise, spoken to Job, indicates that laughter and joy are part of the blessings God desires for His people.
These verses collectively provide a biblical perspective on joking. They emphasize the importance of using humor in a way that is uplifting, edifying, and in line with Christian values. The Bible acknowledges the place of laughter and joy in life but also advises wisdom, kindness, and consideration in how humor is expressed.