Sarcasm and joking are OK for Christians to engage in, but it’s important to discern what humor represents our mission to effectively communicate the Gospel of Christ. To find out how believers should view sarcasm and jokes and whether we can participate in them, we must turn to Scripture.
The ethics and morality behind jokes and humor might not be on the top of the list of concerns for Christians, but it is a topic we should think about. In an episode of the television show SpongeBob SquarePants, titled “Squirrel Jokes,” SpongeBob discovers that jokes about his friend, Sandy the Squirrel, bring praise from the audience in a comedy act. Wanting to please the crowd, he continues to make fun of squirrels, claiming they are stupid. Sandy privately approaches SpongeBob and tells him that the jokes are hurtful, but he does not listen. To make a point, Sandy invites SpongeBob to her home and acts the way he has been depicting her in his jokes. He quickly understands that making “harmless” jokes about his friends is not so harmless after all.
Lots of people, including Christians, can make others feel terrible about themselves with jokes or comments they view as “harmless.” For example, when a woman makes a sarcastic statement about a coworker’s clothing, or a group of teenagers make jokes at the expense of someone who does not fit in, words become weapons to cut and tear down.
Not only should we be concerned about the use of our words, but we also need to be aware of the state of comedy in the media. How many times have we heard a comedian go too far and start mentioning inappropriate things in his or her jokes? Or a children’s movie that sneaks in innuendos? The world wants us to think these things are funny, but they cross lines and enter territory the Bible clearly labels as sinful.
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What Does the Bible Say About Sarcasm and Joking?
The most well-known verse that applies to sarcasm and joking is Ephesians 5:4. In this verse, Paul wrote,
“Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God” (NLT).
Paul included this instruction following a section focused on Christian living (see Ephesians 4:17-32). He emphasized the need to follow Jesus and walk in the way of love, which excludes living in sexual immorality, impurity, and greed (Ephesians 5:1-3). Sinful living and words do not fit the identity of a believer as a child of God.
Sarcastic speech and coarse joking involve using words to harm and degrade others. Humor is not always ill-intended, but sarcasm is, by definition, intended to mock others. As Harold W. Hoehner states in the section on Ephesians in the Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament edition, “Paul was not intimating that humor itself is sin, but that it is wrong when it is used to destroy or tear down others” (Victor Books, 1983, p. 638). Lots of sarcastic jabs or jokes are intended to hurt another person, which is not how God wants us to use our words (see Ephesians 4:29).
Many commentators also emphasize how the verse denounces vulgarity in the form of sexual jokes. This includes double entendres, innuendos, and other inappropriate jests. To turn what God has given as a gift, sex within the marriage relationship, into something filthy is wrong. Believers should not be known for dirty words, but for language that praises God and brings encouragement to others (see Colossians 3:8).
In addition to avoiding hurtful jokes and inappropriate remarks, making fun of God, His Word, or anything sacred is wrong. Our Lord is meant to be loved and revered. He is not to be mocked (Galatians 6:7). If we speak sarcastically of God, the One who created and saved us, then we display a lack of respect for Him.
The Bible denounces sarcasm and harmful joking, as we as well making light of God and what He has done. Vulgar speech, including inappropriate, sexual jokes, has no place in the Christian life.
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Reflecting Christ in Our Humor
All this stems from the biblical truth that what we do and say reveals the condition of our hearts. As Jesus said,
“For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” - Matthew 12:34, NIV
The words we use come from within. Those who use filthy language, hurtful sarcasm, and coarse jokes show that their hearts are corrupt and ensnared by sin.
Christians are called to another way of life. We have been washed clean by the blood of Christ and are now new creations because of our relationship with Him (see 1 John 1:7 and 2 Corinthians 5:17) . No longer slaves to sin, we have been set free to live as beloved children of God (Galatians 4:7). Harmful and filthy language does not fit our new identities.
Not engaging in the foolish jesting of others at work or in social circles is not legalism but a reflection of who we are following. Scripture tells us to be “imitators of God” (Ephesians 5:1, ESV). If we want to be like our Lord and follow Him, we will listen to what He says and model ourselves after Him in all areas of life. The way we use our words is just one of many areas that we submit to God in our effort to imitate Him.
Is it Always Wrong to Joke or Be Sarcastic?
Believers should not think that Ephesians 5:4 means we can never enjoy a joke or engage in humorous banter with another. Unlike what some Christians assume, the Christian life is meant to be filled with joy (see John 15:11). Smiling, laughing, or having fun is not sinful.
At times, a good-natured joke can lift another person’s spirit. As Proverbs 17:22 reminds us, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (NIV). Humor adds zest to life and reminds us not to take ourselves so seriously.
If not all joking comes from a place of malice or sin, then we can know that humor can be good. And whatever is good comes from God (James 1:17). In this way, a fun conversation filled with laughter is a blessing from the Lord.
We could even argue that God delights in humor and enjoyment. He created humans with the capacity to laugh and joke. Many animals also display a sense of merriment, like our furry friends who enjoy time frolicking with their favorite toy. If the Lord’s creation exhibits playfulness and laughter, then it must have been a part of His original, good design (Genesis 1:31). Humans corrupted humor because of sin, but that does not mean joking is always wrong. Humor, when done in love and goodness, can be a gift and blessing that we can enjoy and for which we can give thanks to God.
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Learning to Be Funny without Being Hurtful
Laughing with others and enjoying a joke is something that Christians can participate in. The Christian life is not about being grim-faced. There is a time for seriousness, just as there is a time for weeping. However, there is also a time for celebration and laughter (Ecclesiastes 3:4). Humor is one of many gifts that we can enjoy from God if we do not engage with it from a place of sin or use it to harm others.
Originally published Monday, 13 May 2024.