*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*
*"I WAS ONLY JOKING."*
*Scripture Treasure.*
Prov 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?*
*Insight and Highlight.*
There are uplifting jokes, and there are jokes capable of killing. We must be careful to know when our jokes are refreshing or demeaning and destructive.
*Scripture Commentaries.*
A joke is a clever exchange designed to elicit or evoke laughter.
A joke is communicated with deliberate intentions to provoke laughter.
Jokes contain humor and wit and can come with con or deception.
For all that is known, jokes bring laughter.
Besides good news, jokes can make
make people joyful, ease tensions, etc
Laughter is good, and to make others laugh or cause them to laugh is a good virtue.
We see in the Scriptures how it is good to laugh. To laugh is to merry. It is to be cheerful. To laugh is to be happy and joyful.
Prov 17:22 tells us that *A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.*
So, laughter is the best medicine to many of life's setbacks or bad moods.
We see here that there are spiritual, emotional, and physical benefits of joy and laughter.
We also see that God has the emotion to laugh. Though when God is cited to laugh, He laughs at the enemies derision, in scorn, in taunt, in ridicule and in mockery, Ps 2:4, 37:13.
While jokes remain one of the best mediums to entertain, amuse, or brighten the soul and spirits of the depressed or willing spectators,
Solomon admonishes that it be done without demeaning, destroying, or victimizing its recipients.
People use all forms of jokes like spitting images, caricatures, and demonizing images to represent other people all in the names of jokes.
Some even mock God, His voice, prophesies and speak as if God had spoken.
It remains one of the most refreshing forms of entertainment close to funfairs, refreshments, and recreation.
It is, however, sad when jokes are made to deceive with the intent to destroy. It is no longer a joke but a yoke licensed to kill.
When a joke comes with lies or malice, it has the capacity of a murderous
weapon.
Solomon says just as deadly as a madman shooting a deadly weapon, so is someone who deceives or lies to a friend and then says, *....“I was only joking.”*
Jokes that cause death or are capable of causing it or are capable of causing personal injuries are no longer jokes, but serious assaults targeted or premeditated to cause such harm or fatality.
The truth about jokes is, 'It is either your joke is funny or silly.
You do not have to joke. It is not compulsory.
*Remorse corner.*
There are good times to joke. In grief, it is suggested that jokes are not required.
*Call to Word action.*
Jokes can be mockery and flateries, if unwisely delivered,(ref Prov 26:28, 29:5).
*The Christian clarion duty.*
Do not persuade people to do what may be life threatening in the name of jokes
*Prayer.*
Lord, let me not deliver seemingly harmless jokes with harmful consequences in Jesus name.
Good morning all, and have a blessed day.
God bless you.
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