Scripture has many examples of sarcastic speech. Paul uses it with the Corinthians. Or consider Elijah, who mocks the prophets of Baal:
And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” – 1 Kings 18:27 (ESV)
I often hear Christians engaging in sarcastic remarks… sometimes in a playful mood, poking fun at someone’s downright silliness. For the target of the witty comment, the temptation is to be offended. I propose a different response. As humans, we do really stupid things, so why not admit it and laugh with others at our own silly behavior? As I mature, my friends are helpful enough to point out my immaturity. In these times, I find it helpful to laugh at my stupidity. It is humbling to remember my fallibility! Thank you dear friends for the moments of laughter and the opportunities you provide to remind me of my creature status.
But other times, I hear Christians use sarcasm in more tense situations… in settings of disagreement. I would classify these words as “fighting words.” Does Scripture provide us with any guidance on what type of sarcasm we should use? Scripture says that our speech is very important. For out of the overflow of our hearts, the mouth speaks. What we say reveals our heart, which is full of sinful tendencies.
If Elijah was sarcastic, are we to emulate Elijah’s style?
It is helpful to remember that Scripture is directly inspired by God and is God-breathed. The words that proceed out of my mouth are not! While I don’t see a flat out prohibition of offensive sarcasm, I wonder how appropriate it is to use. Consider Paul’s admonition:
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. – Ephesians 4:29
Questions to think about:
– Do our words build others up and give grace to our hearers?
– Is sarcasm ever helpful in communication, to prove our point?
– Is sarcasm ever appropriate, period?
Thanks for this devotional. I am a leader of a hula ministry at our church and there is a woman who’s constant sarcasm got me so angry. I did not show an outward sign of my anger, but inwardly, i was just mad! I did pray after that, so that i would be in the right spirit with the Lord, and asked God to search us and to let our speach edify Him and each other! Do you think she got that message? I wonder if this is a part of what leaders have to deal with? Thank God, i am in a place in my walk, that i didn’t respond negatively to this sarcasm which is so often done by this woman. Please pray for me.