Humor has its place, but the Bible reminds us to use our words wisely. Today, we’ll look at what Scripture says about joking and how it can build others up instead of tearing them down.
Also Read: Bible Verses About The Unknown
Bible Verses About Joking
Proverbs 17:22 – A cheerful heart promotes joy
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22
Ecclesiastes 3:4 – There is a time for laughter
“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” – Ecclesiastes 3:4
Proverbs 15:13 – Joy leads to a bright demeanor
“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:13
Proverbs 18:21 – Words have power
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21
Romans 12:12 – Maintaining joy through trials
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12
Philippians 4:4 – Rejoicing as a command
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4
Proverbs 26:19 – The folly of misleading humor
“Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked.” – Proverbs 26:19
Psalm 126:2 – Laughter as a sign of blessing
“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.'” – Psalm 126:2
James 1:19 – The importance of listening
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19
Ephesians 5:4 – Humor with caution
“Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” – Ephesians 5:4
Psalm 2:4 – God’s response to laughter
“The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.” – Psalm 2:4
Proverbs 21:15 – Justice and joy
“When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.” – Proverbs 21:15
Ecclesiastes 7:6 – The value of laughter
“Like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of fools. This too is meaningless.” – Ecclesiastes 7:6
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Always rejoice
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
John 15:11 – Finding joy in Christ
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” – John 15:11
Proverbs 14:30 – A peaceful heart
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” – Proverbs 14:30
Philippians 1:3 – Joy through gratitude
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” – Philippians 1:3
Colossians 3:2 – Setting our minds on joy
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Proverbs 27:17 – Friendship brings joy
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
Galatians 5:22-23 – The fruit of the Spirit includes joy
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Psalm 118:24 – Rejoicing in the day
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24
Colossians 3:8 – Humor and kindness
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” – Colossians 3:8
1 Peter 4:8 – Love above all
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8
Psalm 42:11 – Hope and joy intertwine
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” – Psalm 42:11
Matthew 12:34 – Words reflect our hearts
“For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” – Matthew 12:34
Isaiah 51:11 – Gladness will be theirs
“Those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” – Isaiah 51:11
Proverbs 15:15 – Joy in a cheerful heart
“All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.” – Proverbs 15:15
Matthew 5:12 – Rejoicing in trials
“Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Matthew 5:12
John 16:24 – Joy in the answered prayer
“Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” – John 16:24
Proverbs 30:29-31 – Wisdom in joy
“There are three things that are stately in their stride, four that move with stately bearing: a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing.” – Proverbs 30:29-31
Psalm 100:1-2 – Shouting for joy
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” – Psalm 100:1-2