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Proverbs 10:23
It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

Proverbs 14:9
Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteousthere is favour.

Proverbs 15:21
Follyis joy tohim that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.

and says, “I was only joking!”
This part of the verse addresses the common excuse used to downplay the seriousness of deceit. In ancient times, as today, humor could be used as a cover for harmful intentions. The Bible acknowledges the power of words and the potential for them to cause harm (James 3:5-6). The phrase "I was only joking" can be seen as an attempt to avoid responsibility for one's actions, which is contrary to biblical teachings on accountability and repentance (Proverbs 28:13, 1John 1:9). This behavior reflects a lack of integrity and sincerity, which are highly valued in Scripture. The verse serves as a reminder that words have consequences and that one should be mindful of their impact on others, aligning with the biblical call to speak truthfully and lovingly (Ephesians 4:15).

The proverb completes a word-picture begun in verse 18: “Like a madman shooting fiery arrows and death, so is the man…” The comparison tells us we are dealing with reckless, destructive behavior.

•Proverbs 14:16 warns that “a fool is reckless and careless,” showing the same disregard for consequences.

•James 1:22 cautions believers not merely to hear but to act, contrasting the disciplined disciple with the impulsive “madman.”

This opening clause sets the tone: the person in view is as dangerous as someone wielding weapons without thought.

Deception is intentional misrepresentation. Scripture never treats it lightly.

•Proverbs 12:20 notes, “Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil.”

•Ephesians 4:25 urges, “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor.”

•Colossians 3:9 adds, “Do not lie to one another.”

The man inProverbs 26:19 plots, schemes, and manipulates. His humor is a cover for harm, not harmless fun.

“Neighbor” encompasses anyone within the circle of daily life.

•Leviticus 19:18 commands, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

•Romans 13:10 explains, “Love does no wrong to a neighbor.”

•Galatians 5:14 sums up the law in loving one’s neighbor.

By targeting those close at hand, the deceiver betrays community trust and violates God’s design for relationships.

Words reveal the heart and carry weight.

•Matthew 12:36 warns that people will give account “for every careless word.”

•Proverbs 18:21 states, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”

•Ephesians 4:29 directs that speech be used “for building up.”

Speech is never neutral; attaching “just words” to wrongdoing does not erase its moral reality.

The punchline is a dodge, pretending innocence after intentional harm.

• Verse 18’s image of deadly arrows shows how “joking” can wound.

•Proverbs 10:23 observes that “doing wrong is like a sport to a fool,” capturing the same flippant attitude.

•Ephesians 5:4 warns against “crude joking” that is “out of place.”

•Ecclesiastes 7:6 likens the laughter of fools to crackling thorns—loud but quickly consumed.

The disclaimer “just kidding” neither removes the hurt nor excuses the heart that planned it.

Proverbs 26:19 exposes the danger of weaponized humor: a person deliberately deceives, harms a close companion, and then hides behind a grin. Scripture calls such behavior folly, condemns deceit, and commands love and truthful speech. Words matter, motives matter, and relationships matter; joking that masks cruelty stands condemned by the God who values truth and neighbor-love.

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