Laughter is a universal language that expresses joy, uplifts spirits, and fosters communion among people. However, laughter is not only a natural human phenomenon but is also a spiritual concept woven into the fabric of the Bible’s teaching. In the Bible, laughter symbolizes different aspects of the human experience, ranging from joy and contentment to scorn and foolishness. This summary expounds on various Bible verses that center around the theme of laughter.
Who in the Bible Uses Laughter?
Laughter was employed by individuals and groups across diverse situations in the Bible. It was used by Sarah, Abraham’s wife, to express her disbelief at the prospect of having a child in her old age. The Bible records that people laughed at Jesus in moments of disbelief or mockery, such as his statement about the ruler’s daughter being not dead, but asleep. More positively, laughter was also associated with joyous celebrations such as the return of the prodigal son.
What is the Significance of Laughter in the Bible?
Laughter in the Bible carries profound significance. More often than not, it is an expression of joy, particularly at the manifestation of God’s blessings and deliverance. However, laughter isn’t always portrayed positively. It can also symbolize disbelief, mockery, or be a product of folly. Notably, the Bible underscores that laughter can be fleeting and that joy does not solely reside in laughter. It illustrates that rejoicing should be in God’s love, faithfulness, and salvation, regardless of our circumstances.
Where Does Laughter Occur in the Bible?
Laughter isn’t confined to specific events or locations in the Bible – it permeates different narratives and situations. For example, it colored domestic scenarios with Sarah’s incredulous laugh at the idea of childbirth in her old age. Laughter also took a central role in public situations, like in the account of Jesus debunking death’s sting with his resurrection power at the ruler’s house. Additionally, the concept of laughter was invoked in didactic contexts; Proverbs, in particular, warns against the laughter that stems from folly.
When is Laughter Appropriate in the Bible?
The Bible presents laughter as suitable in times of celebration and joy. This sentiment is perfectly encapsulated in sayings that portray laughter as a response to glad tidings and feats of deliverance. However, the Bible also highlights the importance of discerning occasions for laughter; understanding that times of mourning call for sobriety and respect, rather than frivolity. This balance illustrates how laughter is not condemned in the Bible, but the discernment of its application is encouraged.
Why Does the Bible Advocates for Balanced Laughter?
The Bible promotes a balanced approach to laughter, contrasting its use as a display of joy against situations when it is employed as a tool for mockery or emanates from disbelief or folly. It cautions against the excessive pursuit of laughter, emphasizing instead a disposition of contentment and a heart full of joy. This balance serves as a reminder that while human emotions are transient, our joy and contentment should be rooted in God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. Ultimately, the Bible’s portrayal of laughter serves as an invitation to explore a deeper, more enduring source of joy that transcends temporary circumstances.
Below is the full list of bible verses on laughter (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 Laughter
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
Job 8:21
“21 Till he fill thy mouth with laughing, and thy lips with rejoicing.”
Related Themes: Joy
Psalm 126:2
“2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.”
Related Themes: Joy
Ecclesiastes 3:4
“4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;”
Related Themes: Emotions Tears Celebration Dancing
Luke 6:21
“21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.”
Genesis 21:6
“6 And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me.”
James 5:13
“13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.”
Related Themes: Music Singing Sadness Prayer Hopelessness
Proverbs 15:15
“15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.”
Related Themes: Health Prosperity
Proverbs 14:13
“13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.”
Related Themes: Happiness Frustration
Psalm 37:13
“13 The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.”
Psalm 2:4
“4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.”
Related Themes: Omnipresence Persecution
Psalm 59:8
“8 But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision.”
Ecclesiastes 10:19
“19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.”
Related Themes: Money
Psalm 16:11
“11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
Related Themes: Joy Life Attitude Loneliness Birthday
Matthew 25:21
“21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
Proverbs 15:13
“13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.”
Related Themes: Attitude Loneliness Nervousness Emotions Joy
Ecclesiastes 7:6
“6 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.”
Related Themes: Vanity
Proverbs 31:25
“25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.”
Related Themes: Reputation Jewelry Modesty Strength Strangers
Psalm 23:1-6
“1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
Related Themes: Criticism Gossip Life Hope Omnipotence
John 14:12-14
“12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.”
Related Themes: Miracles Unanswered Prayer Faith
Psalm 37:12-13
“12 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.13 The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.”
Ecclesiastes 2:2
“2 I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?”
Habakkuk 1:10
“10 And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it.”
Mark 11:23-24
“23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”
Related Themes: Doubt Heart Expectations Faith
Luke 10:17-19
“17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
Related Themes: Joy
Proverbs 11:25
“25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.”
Related Themes: Serving Others Reaping What You Sow Benevolence Reaping Homelessness
Nehemiah 6:15-16
“15 So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days.16 And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.”
Luke 6:24-26
“24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.”
1 Corinthians 2:9-10
“9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”
Job 12:4
“4 I am as one mocked of his neighbour, who calleth upon God, and he answereth him: the just upright man is laughed to scorn.”
