To jest is to joke about, to mock, to make light of a topic.

Is jesting sin? Is jesting appropriate for a believer? Can a believer jest with others and still be in sync with God?

That depends, for I have spent a bit of time considering this topic. For you see, I am a proverbial jester! I have been told I “jest” too much, that I can lead someone on for the sake of a laugh, and that in the jesting, I tend to sometimes go too far.

And this verse cuts me.

Proverbs 26:18 – 19 Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I am only joking!”

The concern is that with jesting, an element of deceit, for a short time, is introduced into the discussion. Possibly deceit is a bit strong, (although this proverb doesn’t think so) but at the least exaggeration, or misrepresentation.

And yet we find the Word records a number of times that sarcasm and jesting is used by God to make a point. I think of Elijah, where he speaks of the worshippers of Baal having to wait on their God cause he is busy on the toilet. Or when Paul speaks of the legalizers cutting them selves off! Sarcasm and jesting to make a serious point is a valid method of communicating, but it seems to be used in moderation through out the Word.

And it is obvious that the jest is in jest. To jest, yet without any hurt inflicted on another, that is an acceptable use of this method of communication. I think a correct understanding of jesting would be as a method to waken someone up from a misunderstanding, or wrong thinking.

Yet, as I reflect on my own tendency to jesting, I find this is a serious problem for myself. I recognize every jest I utter makes it more difficult for those who chat with me to take me seriously. That element of deceit can’t be erased simply by stating “I jest”.

I also find in myself a spirit of superiority rising up in any jesting, thinking I have the edge in the discussion, that I know something others don’t understand. If you are a jester, do you recognize this attitude in your jesting?

That element of deceit can’t be erased simply by stating “I jest”.

Jesting can be a powerful tool in the hands of a well intentioned loving believer, but it is very often used to make fun of others at their expense.

The very opposite of building each other up! Let us build one another up, as the Scriptures teach us!

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

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