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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 inEphesians 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, inMatthew 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;
Topicalbible.org

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.
Topicalbible.org

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...

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

The Right to Privacy
... They subject the bride and her clothes to an interested and careful scrutiny,
commenting upon everything, with muchjoking and laughter....

Talking in Salesmanship
... salesmanship. The salesman should cultivate dignity of speech and manner. People
generally dislike familiarity,joking, and horse-play. It...

Persistency in Wrong Doing.
... No!"he was young, insolent, inconsiderate, and fond of practicaljoking,"a
vulgar-minded fellow, puffed up with conceit at his elevation to power....

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

Ep. xii. (About AD 365).
... If you look at the things in this way you will leave offjoking and deriding her
as little, and you will congratulate yourself on your marriage. Footnotes:...

Confessing Christ.
... When she entered the parlor she found them laughing andjoking about the meeting.
She put on a serious face and said, "I don't think we should laugh at it....

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 ofjoking us on...

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...

Letter cccxxxix. Basil to Libanius.
... emulation. Really and truly the delight your speech must have given, when
you werejoking about me, must have been indescribable!...

Joking (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version ConcordanceJoking (3 Occurrences).... Get out of this place, for Yahweh
will destroy the city." But he seemed to his sons-in-law to bejoking....

Jokmeam (2 Occurrences)

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....

Jokim (1 Occurrence)

Deceives (14 Occurrences)
... him? (WEB NAS RSV). Proverbs 26:19 is the man who deceives his neighbor
and says, "Am I notjoking?" (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Jeremiah 9...

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 bejoking. (WEB NIV). Exodus...

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 bejoking. (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....

Marry (48 Occurrences)
... up! Get out of this place, for Yahweh will destroy the city." But he seemed
to his sons-in-law to bejoking. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Genesis...

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

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

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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