The Spiritual Danger of Jesting and Foolish Talking

Jesting and joking are unchristian practices that grieves the Holy Spirit, degrades character, and serves as a significant stumbling block to othersGW92 416.2+2. To be a Christian is to be Christlike, and since no trifling word or lightness can be found in the character of Jesus, such behavior is inexcusable for His followersGW92 416.2+1.

The Spiritual Impact of Jesting

• Grieving the Holy Spirit: Engaging in much jesting and laughing is unbecoming of those professing godliness and drives away pure, heavenly angelsSA 148.1+1.

• Barrenness of Soul: This spirit of lightness results in a barren soul, a loss of God's favor, and brings great darkness upon the individualVSS 66.2+1.

• Opening a Door for Satan: Those who indulge in cheap conversation place themselves on a level where Satan can gain access to play the game of life for their soulsYI June 27, 1895, par. 2+1.

• Accountability in Judgment: God is an unseen witness to every action, and every idle word must be accounted for in the day of final settlement Matthew 12:36CCh 74.1+1.

Jesting in Specific Contexts

• Ministers and the Pulpit: A minister who engages in frivolous conversation or jokes in the sacred desk is unworthy of his mission and unfitted to preach Christ and Him crucifiedGW 205.2+1.

• The Family Circle: Parents should not encourage "cunning" pranks in children, as these develop into offensive habits later in lifeCG 201.4+1. Furthermore, husbands and wives should never joke at the expense of each other’s feelings, as this can lead to estrangementAH 177.1+1.

• Institutions and Schools: Jesting in the office or school environment effaces the impressions made by the Spirit of God and creates a lawless, godless atmosphereKC 97.3+2.

• Reverence for Scripture: Quoting Bible texts in jest or to give point to a joke is a gross violation of the third commandmentSITI May 26, 1887, page 315.4. Using holy things for witticisms causes the mind to associate the sacred with the vulgar, eventually spotting the Holy Scripture with "unclean fancy"ARSH May 15, 1855, page 228.2.

The Danger of the "Last Days"

We are living in a most solemn time, and the message of the third angel is the most awfully serious ever given to mortals Revelation 14:9-12GCB October 1, 1896, page 775.2+1. The world is full of skeptics who use jests and ridicule to scorn the warnings of Christ's soon appearing10MR 265.3+2. It is not a time for trifling, as our probation will soon end and every mouth will be stopped at the judgmentCCh 74.1+1.

The Christian Alternative

Instead of engaging in foolish talking and jesting, which are "not convenient," Christians are instructed to give thanks Ephesians 5:4ARSH March 7, 1854, page 54.13+1. A cheerful, happy mind is possible without frivolity; true peace and serenity elevate the soul above all superfluitiesGW 129.3+1. If you feel merry, the proper response is to sing psalms and bless the Lord rather than engaging in vain talk James 5:13SLH 66.3.

Practical Admonition

• Gird up the loins of your mind and be sober 1 Peter 1:13.

• Refrain your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking guile 1 Peter 3:10.

• Avoid the company of those who delight in ribaldry and coarse jests to ensure the protection of holy angelsT17 28.4.

• Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt Colossians 4:62LtMs, Lt 46, 1874, par. 7.

• Remember that by your words you will be justified or condemned Matthew 12:37YI June 13, 1895, par. 3.