Jokes
<<flippant talk>>
Foolish comments and impure jokes are improper for Christians, as they do not reflect the nature of God’s gracious Holy Spirit within (Eph 5:4; Col 3:8). These things belong to the old life before we met Christ as making fun of people, criticism or ethnic jokes do not glorify God; we must give account for every idle word (Mt 12:36). However, pure clean humour is acceptable and, actually, laughter is beneficial to our health and countenance, as we interact with others for “A cheerful heart is good medicine…” (Prov 17:22). In contrast demeaning, offensive and hurtful, stinging comments do not conform to the Bible’s directive to “not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs” (Eph 4:29). As teasing and practical jokes that may start out as fun can lead to accidents and relationships being ruined it is wise to consider the Scriptures, “Do unto others as you would like done to you…Love does no harm to its neighbour” (Prov 26:18,19; Lk 6:31; Rom 13:10).