someone says, as they are faced with their own words, which hurt or angered someone else. Last week, in the article, I spoke about the importance of guarding our words which may hurt others unnecessarily. The following excerpt of an excellent article by Bill Bagents is based on a Biblical proverb.
“Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death, is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, ‘I was only joking’” (Proverbs 26:18-19).
This brings to mind the famous statement of Deuteronomy 10:13 about the commandments and statues of the Lord “which I command you today for your good.” We are so blessed to be protected by the wisdom of God as we keep his word.
We never know how fragile another person might be, but we won’t be tempted to press that person if we follow Matt. 7:12, Matt. 22:39-40, Eph. 4:29 and Phil. 2:3-4. Each of those passages would protect us from exposing another person to danger.
We never know when a “joke” based in deception will backfire, but we know Ephesians 4:25, Therefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor, for we are member of one another.” We know this was written to Christians about the treatment of fellow Christians, but we also know we should not lie, period.
I love good humor – humor that doesn’t endanger others, humor that doesn’t diminish others. I hate evil humor – humor that causes pain, stress, or embarrassment; humor that open doors for the devil. God has always known the danger and the difference. How blessed we are to access and appreciate his wisdom.”