“Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour” (Prov. 14:9).
The entire context of Ephesians, chapter 5, is about sin. Among other things, we see that jesting and foolish talking is one behavior listed as sin.
“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 14Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God” (Eph. 5:3-21).
The word ‘convenient’ – NT:433 aneko (an-ay’-ko) in this reference means “proper or fit.” If we were serious about (actually did) the things we sometimes jest about, would it be proper or fitting behavior or sinful? Can this become the basis for our fellowship with the church? Can it come to a point where we don’t know how to talk to each other without jesting about or mocking something or somebody? If this is the glue that holds us together, what do we really have? “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: … That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children” (Titus 2:1, 4).
“Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded…. Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you…. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:6, 8, 12).
“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Pet. 1:13-16).
If we actually decided to disobey these commands, what would we do differently? What would Jesus do? Would he spend most of the time with the disciples acting like a buffoon? Are we serious about becoming like Jesus (Phil. 2:5)?
—Beth Johnson
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‘Very good points, and too seldom heard! Eccl 1:9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Apparently, jesting is not a 21st Century invention, though it is extremely popular. Everyone likes a laugh (thus the common saying, “Laughter is the best medicine.”) But a laugh is for a moment, and then gone. What are we left with? Only a desire to find something else to laugh at! Eccl 7:6 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity. We can think that joking around all the time is a way to brighten people’s day, but even in modern society is it considered truly an honor? Watch a group of 11 yr old boys, and see what joking becomes; it is addictive, but certainly doesn’t lead to anything productive. Would we choose a goofy joker for the supreme court? We need someone serious-minded enough to have keen, sound thinking in those critical positions. Eccl 10:1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour. Christians, as much as we might enjoy humor, need to remember that we must always be an HONOR to our Lord, and jesting simply is not a “proper fit.” Some might quote Prov 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. But the word “merry” does not mean giddy in the Hebrew, but cheerful, joyful. What are we joyful about, meaningful things or frivolous jokes? While we are not required to walk around with gloomy, Puritan-like faces, there is a difference in somber and “sober” which is translated from the word that means to be of a SOUND mind. Our thinking must be sound, alert, productive at all times. We are to be watching for our Lord (Lk 12:35-40), and making the BEST use of every moment of every day. Eph 5:15-17 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Ps 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. People of the world value humor, but God doesn’t think like we do, Isaiah 55:8-9; God says, “Eccl 7:3 Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.” No matter our circumstances, Christians can truly rejoice. (Phil 4:11, Mt 4:1-12, 2 Cor 12:10, 1 Pet 1:3-7, etc) What should our happiness come from? Phil 4:4-5 Rejoice IN THE LORD alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Thanks for the input. I was afraid I would get negative feedback on this one.
Do you remember your grandparents and how loving and happy they were? Do you remember their being foolish and nonsensical? I think their generation knew what it meant to take life seriously and to be sober.
Titus 2 admonition to women “That they may teach the young women to be *sober,* to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
“What would Jesus do? Would he spend most of the time with the disciples acting like a buffoon?”
Very thought provoking article! I also appreciate Ferah’s comments regarding a sober mind. This is a subject where teaching seems sorely lacking.
Soberness is almost never emphasized in teaching what older women are to teach the younger, but it is key. It is nice to know these are being read and that some find them useful to study.