What does the Bible say about making fun?
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The Bible warns against making fun of others, calling believers to speak with truth, kindness, and reverence for God, who made every person. Proverbs 17:5 says that mocking the poor reproaches their Maker, while Proverbs 26:18-19 condemns hurtful deception disguised as a joke. Jesus warns in Matthew 5:22 that contemptuous anger toward others is spiritually serious. Christians should avoid crude joking and careless words, as Ephesians 5:4 and 4:29 teach, seeking speech that builds others up. James 4:11-12 forbids slander and judgmental speech, reminding us that God alone is Judge. The gospel calls us to repent of cruel humor and to use our words in love.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 26:18-19
[18] Like a madman who shoots firebrands, arrows, and death, [19] Is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, "Am I not joking?"
- Proverbs 17:5
Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.
- Matthew 5:22
But I tell you, that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment; and whoever shall say to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council; and whoever shall say, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.
- Ephesians 5:4
nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not appropriate; but rather giving of thanks.
- Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.
- 2 Timothy 2:16
But shun empty chatter, for they will proceed further in ungodliness,
- Proverbs 29:11
A fool vents all of his anger, But a wise man brings himself under control.
- Galatians 6:7
Don't be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that will he also reap.
- James 4:11-12
[11] Don't speak against one another, brothers. He who speaks against a brother and judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge. [12] Only one is the lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge another?
- James 4:11
Don't speak against one another, brothers. He who speaks against a brother and judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge.
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