“Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death
is the man who deceives his neighbor
and says, “I am only joking!””
Humor is one of God’s good gifts.
A shared laugh can strengthen friendships, lighten a difficult day, and remind us not to take ourselves too seriously. Some of my favorite memories with family and friends are filled with laughter.
But Proverbs reminds us that not everything said in jest is harmless.
Have you ever heard someone make a cutting remark, only to follow it with,
“Relax. I was only joking”?
Perhaps you’ve even said it yourself.
Sometimes those words are offered because the joke simply didn’t land. More often, though, they’re an attempt to escape responsibility for something that really did hurt another person.
Proverbs paints a vivid picture. A man recklessly throwing flaming torches and arrows would leave destruction wherever they landed. It would make little difference if, afterward, he claimed he hadn’t meant any harm.
The damage would already be done.
Our words can work the same way.
Sarcasm can become a way of expressing anger without admitting we’re angry. Teasing can cross the line from playful to hurtful. Humor can become a disguise for criticism that we wouldn’t dare express directly.
That’s why wisdom asks more than,
“Did people laugh?”
It also asks,
“Did my words build others up, or tear them down?”
One of the things I find very disappointing is how so many sitcoms, especially sitcoms for kids, is mostly just sarcasm and insults dressed up as humor. Kids pick up on that and soon their language is laced with insults and stinging sarcasm.
That doesn’t mean Christians should never joke or enjoy playful conversation. Joy and laughter are part of God’s good gifts. But wisdom reminds us that love should shape even our sense of humor.
The Apostle Paul encourages believers to speak
“only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29).
That principle applies whether we’re speaking seriously or laughing together. If you realize today that your words have wounded someone, don’t hide behind, “I was only joking.”
Instead, do something much wiser.
“I’m sorry.”
Own it.
Apologize.
Seek forgiveness.
That kind of humility does far more to strengthen a relationship than pretending no harm was done.
Let’s pray…
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of laughter and the joy You bring into our lives. Forgive me for the times I have used humor carelessly or hidden hurtful words behind a joke. Help me to speak in ways that encourage rather than wound. Give me humility to admit when I have caused pain and courage to seek forgiveness. May my conversations reflect both truth and love, bringing grace to those who hear them.
Amen.
As part of your devotion time, I encourage you to also pray for at least some of the following:
After praying for these people, you may want to finish your devotion time with the Lord’s Prayer…
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. They will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and every. Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
