Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Joking?
13 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Joking in the Bible
Explore what the Bible says about joking. This collection of 16 key Scripture passages reveals God's wisdom and guidance on this important theme.
Top 10 Verses About Joking
- 1
- 2
- 3Proverbs 17:22
“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. like: or, to”
KJV - 4Proverbs 26:18
“As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, firebrands: Heb. flames, or, sparks”
KJV - 5Matthew 12:36
“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
KJV - 6
- 7Luke 6:45
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”
KJV - 8Galatians 6:7
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
KJV - 9Ephesians 4:29
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. to: or, to edify profitably”
KJV - 10
Subtopics of Joking
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Joking? (4 Verses)
“NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. lamp: or, candle”
“It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.”
“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. like: or, to”
“As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, firebrands: Heb. flames, or, sparks”
New Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Joking? (9 Verses)
“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. to: or, to edify profitably”
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;”
“Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.”
“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.”
“But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Joking
- 1
Begin by reading through every verse listed on this page, noting which ones speak most directly to your current season of life. Write them down and revisit them throughout the week.
- 2
Use a concordance or the search tools on this site to find additional passages about joking. Look for patterns across both the Old and New Testaments to gain a complete picture of what God reveals on this subject.
- 3
Study the context of each verse. Read the surrounding chapter to understand who was speaking, who the audience was, and what circumstances prompted the passage. Context prevents misapplication.
- 4
Memorise at least one key verse about joking and meditate on it daily. Scripture memory transforms thinking and equips you to apply God's Word in real-time situations.
Practical Application
Studying what the Bible says about joking is only the beginning. Scripture is meant to be lived out in daily obedience and faith. Here are practical steps to apply these truths:
Identify one area of your life where the biblical teaching on joking needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about joking with a fellow believer or in a small group setting. Teaching others solidifies your own understanding and encourages mutual growth.
Pray through the key verses about joking, asking God to reveal how His Word applies to your relationships, decisions, and daily habits.
How Well Do You Know What the Bible Says About Joking?
You have studied 13 verses about joking. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.