When does the Bible discuss joking?
The Bible often refers to joking in passages dealing with communication and interpersonal relations. It recognizes the role of humor and levity in our interactions but frequently cautions against the misuse or overuse of joking. According to the Bible, the timing and content of our jokes can greatly influence their impact. It is important to recognize that joking, when used inappropriately or without thoughtful consideration, can lead to misunderstanding, harm, or sin. Therefore, the Bible advises believers to use discernment when choosing to engage in humor.
Who are cautioned about joking in the Bible?
Discussions about joking in the Bible do not single out specific groups but are applicable to all. The guidance given about joking serves as a universal reminder, regardless of status, age, or gender. The Bible underscores the responsibility of every person to use their words wisely, including when they are delivering or receiving jokes. This advice extends to all aspects of communication, reinforcing the idea that everyone should respect others and prevent their words from inflicting harm.
What does the Bible say about the misuse of joking?
The Bible not only speaks about joking in a neutral or positive light but also warns against the potential misuse. Certain types of jokes can lead to misunderstanding or hurt feelings among listeners. Worse still, they can even incite sinful behavior such as lying, gossip, or inappropriate conversations. The Bible warns against such behavior, reminding believers that words carry great power and should be used responsibly. Thus, the Bible’s verses caution against turning something as seemingly innocent as joking into conduits for negative or hurtful actions.
Why does the Bible advocate for responsible joking?
The Bible recognizes the human tendency to communicate through humor, but it advocates for responsibility in this area. Advocating for responsible joking is in line with the broader Biblical teaching on wholesome and constructive communication. Such communication serves to build others up, foster unity, and spread love. Simply put, the Bible calls believers to use their humor judiciously, to foster a sense of community and not divisiveness, to bring happiness and not pain, and to uphold the truth rather than falsehoods.
How does the Bible guide joking?
The Bible’s approach to joking is not about imposing a blanket ban but rather about providing direction on how it should be used. It urges believers to approach joking with wisdom, kindness, and truthfulness. Jokes should not degrade or demean others or stir malicious intentions. Instead, the Bible encourages believers to use humor as a tool for positivity, unity, and truth-spreading. This perspective turns joking into an opportunity for believers to reflect and communicate the love, kindness, and truth they believe in.
Below is the full list of bible verses on joking (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Joking
Ephesians 5:4
“4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.”
Proverbs 26:18-19
“18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?”
Related Themes: Reputation Lying Sarcasm Teasing
Matthew 12:36
“36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
Related Themes: Gossip Idleness Fighting Slander Accountability
Ephesians 4:29
“29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
Related Themes: Gossip Criticism Complaining Judging Others Cursing
Matthew 24:12
“12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”
Related Themes: Lust Protests Apostasy Love Indifference
1 Corinthians 15:33
“33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”
Related Themes: Dating Friendship Morals Reputation Morality
Proverbs 17:22
“22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
Related Themes: Attitude Complaining Health Joy Healing
Galatians 6:7
“7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
Related Themes: Reaping Reaping What You Sow Reaping Lust Reaping What You Sow
Proverbs 10:23
“23 It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.”
James 5:12
“12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.”
Related Themes: Telling The Truth Education Oaths Idleness Swearing
1 John 4:20
“20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”
Related Themes: Hate Hypocrisy Bitterness Love Manipulation
2 Timothy 2:15
“15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Related Themes: Telling The Truth Education Learning Morals Morality
Psalm 119:105
“105 NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Colossians 3:8-9
“8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;”
Related Themes: Bitterness Gossip Frustration Cursing Anger
Luke 6:45
“45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”
Related Themes: Abundance Heart Slander Peer Pressure Cursing
Romans 12:21
“21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Related Themes: Envy And Jealousy Evil Good Justice Focus
Philippians 4:8
“8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Related Themes: Lust Gossip Attitude Complaining
Colossians 3:17
“17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
Related Themes: Business Attitude Gratitude Thankfulness Dedication
Matthew 5:33-37
“33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”
Jeremiah 24:9
“9 And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for their hurt, to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them.”
Proverbs 13:16
“16 Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.”
Proverbs 14:13-14
“13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.”
Related Themes: Happiness Frustration Laughter
