Joking

November 4

Ezekiel 12-13

Psalm 119:97-104

Proverbs 26:18-19

Hebrews 11:17-40

Joking

“Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death is one who deceives their neighbor and says, ‘I was only joking!’”  Proverbs 26:18-19

This proverb is often referred to as the practical joke proverb.  I am not suggesting that all practical jokes are bad.  The motivation is certainly an important factor in determining whether it is wrong, but many practical jokes are done to humiliate someone or at the very least to have a laugh at their expense.  That is not Christlike behavior.  We should be sensitive to the feelings of others and not do anything to cause them pain.  “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, graciously forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has graciously forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32 LSB  “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” Galatians 6:10 LSB   “Love one another with brotherly affection.  Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:10 ESV   “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29 ESV  Joking around can be hurtful and can damage relationships so we should be mindful of how the joke will be perceived. 

Equally troubling is someone who speaks hurtful words and then tries to excuse it by saying they are only joking.  We have all been on the wrong end of comments that were hurtful and demeaning that were laughed off with, “Can’t you take a joke?”  Every thought that enters our head should not come out our mouths.  Most of the time we need to keep our mouths shut.  “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”  Proverbs 13:3 NIV  “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” Proverbs 21:23 NIV   “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”  Psalm 141:3 NIV   Solomon refers to a person who is careless with their words as a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death.  When my girls were teenagers I remember the hurt and pain they experienced from the words of a few mean girls and I understand Solomon’s description.  Hateful words sink deep into the soul and can cause lasting emotional damage.  As believers we have to be different.  Our words need to build others up and not tear them down.  We should defend and protect, not laugh along with the crowd.