Contemplative Bible Reading

Proverbs 26:18-19 (New International Version)

18 Like a madman shooting
firebrands or deadly arrows

19 is a man who deceives his neighbor
and says, “I was only joking!”

Twenty five years ago I would joke much more than I do now. Much of my joking turned sour and hurt others. I was angry at this. Didn’t these other people have a sense of humor? Couldn’t they tell that I was only joking? That is what a sense of humor is, the ability to sense when someone is only joking.

I was wrong.

I love humor, and joking has its place, but that is a small place. This is especially true in the area of practical jokes. They deceive people into believing one thing when something else is true. It is supposed to be obvious and funny to everyone. One problem is that very few things are obvious and funny to everyone.

Take great care when only joking. Firebrands often set your own home afire.