Jesting, in the context of biblical teachings, refers to speech that is frivolous, mocking, or irreverent. It is often associated with humor that is inappropriate or coarse, and it is generally discouraged in Scripture as it can lead to moral decay and a departure from godly living.

The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of jesting in his letter to the Ephesians. In Ephesians 5:3-4 , he writes, "But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving." Here, Paul categorizes jesting alongside other behaviors that are not fitting for believers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purity in speech.

The biblical perspective on jesting is rooted in the broader principle of guarding one's tongue and ensuring that speech is edifying and reflective of a Christ-like character. Proverbs 18:21 states, "Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." This proverb underscores the significant impact that words can have, both positively and negatively.

In the New Testament, James also speaks to the power of the tongue, warning of its potential to cause great harm. James 3:5-6 says, "In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." This passage highlights the destructive potential of careless or harmful speech, including jesting that is not in line with Christian values.

The call to avoid jesting is part of a larger biblical exhortation to pursue holiness and righteousness in all aspects of life, including communication. Colossians 4:6 advises, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." This instruction encourages believers to speak in a manner that is both respectful and thoughtful, avoiding language that could be considered jesting or inappropriate.

In summary, jesting, as understood in the biblical context, is discouraged because it can lead to moral compromise and does not align with the call to live a life that honors God. Believers are encouraged to use their words to build up others and to reflect the character of Christ in all their interactions.Matthew 12:36
But I say to you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Nave's Topical Index

2160. eutrapelia -- ready wit, coarse jesting
... and a derivative of the base of trope (meaning well-turned, ie Ready at repartee,
jocose); witticism, ie (in a vulgar sense) ribaldry -- jesting. see GREEK eu. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2160.htm - 6k

Against Foolish Talking and Jesting.
... that is, facetious speech, or raillery, by our translators rendered "jesting"),
that he ... that asked the definition of a man, "'Tis that which we all see and know ...
/.../against foolish talking and jesting.htm

Answer to the Greeks. Do they Recognise the Logos? if He Manifests ...
... at the Gentiles, who, while they laugh at what is no matter for jesting, are themselves
insensible to their own disgrace, which they do not see that they have ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/section 41 answer to the.htm

A Table of the Chief Things.
... Jacob, [626]358. James the apostle, there were of old divers opinions concerning
his epistle, [627]70. Jesting; see Plays, Games. Jesuits: see Sect, Ignatian. ...
/.../a table of the chief.htm

Ephesians iv. 32 and v. 1, 2
... Or rather, let us see what sort of a person a saint ought to be ... Where filthiness
is, there also is jesting; where unseasonable laughter is, there also is jesting ...
/.../homily xvii ephesians iv 32.htm

Those for whom Christ Prayed --"Sanctify Them. "
... There is no lightness, no jesting, no quibbling, no bickering; all are serious,
terribly in ... as never man spake"; low-minded the man who did not see in Him ...
/.../rees/the heart-cry of jesus/chapter iii those for whom.htm

Lot's Escape from a Wicked City
... Jehovah will destroy the city." But his sons-in-law thought he was only jesting. ...
See, your servant has found favor with you, and you have shown great mercy to ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/lots escape from a wicked.htm

Arria and Her Brother were Far from the Shores of Hellas and Near ...
... Soon he was in a merry way, singing songs and jesting with all who passed ... Against
the illumined waters he could see the long, bent nose, the great beard, the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 21 arria and her.htm

Socrates had More Knowledge in Philosophy than Other Men, Although ...
... [Our author is partial to this idea. See [39]p. 41, supra.]. ... Socrates was called
the Athenian buffoon, because he taught many things in a jesting manner. ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xx socrates had more knowledge.htm

Spiritual Declension.
... Sometimes, however, you will see professing Christians who seem to want this
instinctive ... with those who are given to foolish talking and jesting; they indulge ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/spiritual declension.htm

Ephesians iv. 25-27
... That which is said elsewhere to be also "idle, backbiting, filthy communication,
jesting, foolish talking." See ye how he is cutting up the very roots of anger ...
/.../homily xiv ephesians iv 25-27.htm

Topical Bible Questions (All) | GotQuestions.org

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

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

Jesting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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