Jesting

Proverbs 10:23 Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.

Two types of men here. A fool and a man of understanding. Both men are described by that which delights them, that which they enjoy, that which brings them joy.

It is interesting that as Solomon describes the fool, and what delights him, it is the doing of wrong. No thought or consideration is described in the fools portion of this passage. He does wrong. He does wrong and finds enjoyment in it. Consider a few other translations for a moment.

Proverbs 10:23 CSB – As shameful conduct is pleasure for a fool, so wisdom is for a person of understanding.

Proverbs 10:23 NET – Carrying out a wicked scheme is enjoyable to a fool, and so is wisdom for the one who has discernment.

Proverbs 10:23 NASB20 – Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool, And [so is] wisdom to a person of understanding .

The fool does. The man of understanding thinks.

The fool enjoys doing wrong. The man of understanding enjoys wisdom.

As I have confessed earlier, I have the tendency to jest, to react to circumstances and direct the situation with a bit of deception to provide humor, mostly for myself. My mind does not slow down enough to consider the impact of my reactions – I simply do wrong, and find it humorous.

This characteristic of mine has been known for years and dear brothers have spoken to me of this. I can honestly say the Lord has slowed me down in my simply reacting to situations, yet there is much more growth I need to experience in this part of my life.

To jest, as mentioned in an earlier post, may be a powerful method of communicating truth, but it needs guidelines, at least for myself.

• Any exaggeration to make a point needs to be obvious. To deceive to make a point nullifies the truth that might be communicated.
• Any effort at jesting must be communicated in a loving manner, that seeks to wake up the hearer to truth, and not to inflict pain in the process.
• Any jesting that I enter into with others must include a guarded heart, a heart that is not lifted up in a superior attitude. I find this is far too common in my life.
  • To understand this concern, refer to my first post on jesting – Proverbial Thoughts on Jesting – A

Let me know your thoughts on the place of jesting in a believers life.

 

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