The Practical Joke

    Has anyone noticed that practical jokes usually aren't very practical?  I have witnessed many a practical joke that went wrong: someone got offended, hurt, or embarrassed.  Not quite the desired outcome that was intended... after all, isn't everyone supposed to laugh?  Laughter is good for the heart, but though someone may laugh it doesn't mean that joy is expressed.  They may be laughing to cover up their intense embarrassment.

    What does the Bible say about practical jokes?

•   Proverbs 26:18-19   As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
  So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport? 

     Translation?

    Proverbs is saying that as a crazy man would brandish weapons and death, so is a man the jokes/deceives his neighbor and says, "I was only joking."

    It appears that the Bible takes joking pretty seriously.

    I am not saying that Christians shouldn't have a good sense of humor or tell funny stories.  God created us with the ability enjoy things.  He wants us to be happy, but not at the expense of someone else.  So should you joke?  Well, lets consider the end result.  Is it harmful?  Will it embarrass someone or make someone angry?  Will it cause contention, could it be misconstrued?  If the answer to any of these is yes, the joke may better be left unsaid and the deed undone.

    You might be thinking that I am taking this too far, or that I am too legalistic.  Mind you, I don't condemn or judge anyone who jokes or pranks, sometimes it is funny.  There is a place, time, and way of joking that can be acceptable (be careful not to confuse joking with lying).  Saying, "I don't know where it is," when you were the person who hid it, or saw where it was hidden, is lying.  Don't joke about things that might offend others:

•   Proverbs 18:19   A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. 

    Occasionally, someone might just be having a bad day or just took it the wrong way, and they are offended.  Recognize when someone is offended, or that you went too far, and then apologize... sincerely.  People will respect you more for it.   The Bible encourages us to: 

•   1 Thessalonians 2:3   For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:

     Exhortation is defined as urging and/or encouragement through verbal and nonverbal means of communication.  So speak, not deceitfully (trying to trick someone, or lying), not with dirty words or jokes, and not with guile (sly or cunning intelligence).  Cause your brother and sister to rejoice:

•   Proverbs 17:22   A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones

     Rejoice, be happy, and joyous.  Encourage and exhort your brother or sister by God's Word, because that is where true happiness is found.