Definition and Context
Joking, in the biblical context, refers to the act of making light-hearted remarks or engaging in humor. While humor itself is not inherently negative, the Bible provides guidance on the nature and appropriateness of joking, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purity in speech and conduct.

Biblical References
The Bible addresses the topic of joking primarily in the context of speech and behavior that aligns with Christian values. Ephesians 5:4 states, "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving." This verse highlights the importance of avoiding humor that is inappropriate or offensive, suggesting that such behavior is inconsistent with a life of gratitude and holiness.

Moral and Ethical Considerations
From a biblical perspective, joking should not involve obscenity, foolishness, or crudeness. The emphasis is on maintaining speech that edifies and builds up others, as seen in Ephesians 4:29 : "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This underscores the idea that humor should be constructive and gracious, rather than harmful or degrading.

Wisdom Literature
The Book of Proverbs offers additional insights into the nature of speech, including humor. Proverbs 26:18-19 warns against deceptive or harmful joking: "Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows, so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, 'I was only joking!'" This passage cautions against using humor as a cover for deceit or harm, emphasizing the potential consequences of careless words.

Jesus and Humor
While the Gospels do not explicitly record Jesus engaging in what we might consider joking, His teachings often employed parables and hyperbolic language that could be seen as having a humorous or ironic element. For example, in Matthew 7:3-5 , Jesus uses hyperbole to illustrate the absurdity of judging others while ignoring one's own faults: "Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?" This use of exaggerated imagery serves to convey truth in a memorable and impactful way.

Cultural and Historical Context
In the cultural and historical context of the Bible, humor was often used in storytelling and teaching. However, the emphasis was on humor that aligned with moral and ethical standards. The biblical writers were aware of the power of words and the potential for humor to either uplift or harm.

Practical Application
For Christians today, the biblical guidance on joking encourages discernment in the use of humor. Believers are called to reflect on whether their jokes align with the values of love, respect, and edification. Humor should be a tool for building community and expressing joy, rather than causing division or offense.

Conclusion
While the Bible does not prohibit joking, it provides clear guidelines for ensuring that humor is appropriate and edifying. By adhering to these principles, Christians can engage in humor that reflects the character of Christ and contributes positively to their relationships and communities.Ephesians 5:1-33
Be you therefore followers of God, as dear children;
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2 Timothy 2:15
Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
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Psalm 2:1-4
Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
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(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Joke.7832. sachaq -- to laugh
... root Definition to laugh NASB Word Usage amuse (1), amusing (1), celebrate (2),
celebrating (3), hold a contest (1), joking (1), laugh (6), laughed them to ...
/hebrew/7832.htm - 6k

Letter v. Society --Conversation.
... 4. She must avoid a kind of joking and badinage that should never be heard among
well-bred young people in society"that about courtship and marriage. ...
/.../letter v societyconversation.htm

The Right to Privacy
... They subject the bride and her clothes to an interested and careful scrutiny,
commenting upon everything, with much joking and laughter. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 5 the right to.htm

Talking in Salesmanship
... salesmanship. The salesman should cultivate dignity of speech and manner. People
generally dislike familiarity, joking, and horse-play. It ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/talking in salesmanship.htm

Persistency in Wrong Doing.
... No!"he was young, insolent, inconsiderate, and fond of practical joking,"a
vulgar-minded fellow, puffed up with conceit at his elevation to power. ...
/.../xliii persistency in wrong doing.htm

Which are the Better, the Continent, or those who Delight in ...
... concupiscent, and yet restrain themselves? or are you joking? Euboulios. How
so, when I tell you that I do not know? But, come, tell me ...
/.../chapter iii which are the better.htm

Ep. xii. (About AD 365).
... If you look at the things in this way you will leave off joking and deriding her
as little, and you will congratulate yourself on your marriage. Footnotes: ...
/.../cyril/select letters of saint gregory nazianzen/ep xii about a d 365.htm

Confessing Christ.
... When she entered the parlor she found them laughing and joking about the meeting.
She put on a serious face and said, "I don't think we should laugh at it. ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/confessing christ.htm

I Therefore Bent My Steps Toward the Hut which I had Beheld from a ...
... he takes my [92] joke in good part, says, "You act, Sulpitius, in a way like yourself,
for you never miss any opportunity which is offered you of joking us on ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter iv i therefore bent.htm

I Panted after Honours, Gains, Marriage; and Thou Deridedst Me. .. ...
... For, passing through one of the streets of Milan, I observed a poor beggar, then,
I suppose, with a full belly, joking and joyous: and I sighed, and spoke to ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter vi i panted after.htm

Letter cccxxxix. Basil to Libanius.
... emulation. Really and truly the delight your speech must have given, when
you were joking about me, must have been indescribable! ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter cccxxxix basil to libanius.htm

Joking (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Joking (3 Occurrences). ... Get out of this place, for Yahweh
will destroy the city." But he seemed to his sons-in-law to be joking. ...
/j/joking.htm - 7k

Jokmeam (2 Occurrences)

/j/jokmeam.htm - 8k

Jesting (2 Occurrences)
... n.) of Jest. 2. (a.) Sportive; not serious; fit for jests. 3. (n.) The act or practice
of making jests; joking; pleasantry. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ...
/j/jesting.htm - 7k

Jokim (1 Occurrence)

/j/jokim.htm - 7k

Deceives (14 Occurrences)
... him? (WEB NAS RSV). Proverbs 26:19 is the man who deceives his neighbor
and says, "Am I not joking?" (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Jeremiah 9 ...
/d/deceives.htm - 10k

Pledged (19 Occurrences)
... Get up! Get out of this place, for Yahweh will destroy the city." But he
seemed to his sons-in-law to be joking. (WEB NIV). Exodus ...
/p/pledged.htm - 12k

Sons-in-law (2 Occurrences)
... Get out of this place, for Yahweh will destroy the city." But he seemed to his
sons-in-law to be joking. (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/sons-in-law.htm - 7k

Marry (48 Occurrences)
... up! Get out of this place, for Yahweh will destroy the city." But he seemed
to his sons-in-law to be joking. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Genesis ...
/m/marry.htm - 22k

Daughters (246 Occurrences)
... Get out of this place, for Yahweh will destroy the city." But he seemed to his
sons-in-law to be joking. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/d/daughters.htm - 39k

Seemed (89 Occurrences)
... Get out of this place, for Yahweh will destroy the city." But he seemed
to his sons-in-law to be joking. (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS RSV). ...
/s/seemed.htm - 32k

Is joking a sin? What does the Bible say about telling jokes? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about coarse jesting and crude joking? | GotQuestions.org

Should a Christian prank / do pranks? Is it wrong to play a practical joke on someone? | GotQuestions.org

Joking: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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