Humor and light-heartedness can be found throughout the Bible, illustrating that laughter is not only a sign of joy but can also be a tool for connection and relief in human relationships. While the Scriptures do not have specific verses that directly address the topic of joking, they do contain concepts related to joy, wisdom, and the spirit in which we should communicate. Below are Bible verses that reflect these themes, accompanied by related passages for further contemplation.
Bible Verses About Joking
Proverbs 17:22 – A Cheerful Heart
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22
Related Verses:
“Laughter is a good medicine and joy brings healing.” – Proverbs 15:13
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” – Romans 12:15
Psalms 126:2 – Our Mouths Were Filled
“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.” – Psalms 126:2
Related Verses:
“A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” – Proverbs 15:13
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalms 118:24
Job 8:21 – Fill Your Mouth
“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.” – Job 8:21
Related Verses:
“God has made everything beautiful in its time.” – Ecclesiastes 3:11
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22
“Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.” – Psalms 107:8
Ecclesiastes 3:4 – Time for Everything
“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” – Ecclesiastes 3:4
Related Verses:
“Laughter is the best medicine.” – Proverbs 17:22
“Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.” – Proverbs 26:5
“There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.” – Proverbs 14:12
Proverbs 15:15 – A Cheerful Heart
“All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.” – Proverbs 15:15
Related Verses:
“The mind of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the mind of fools is in the house of pleasure.” – Ecclesiastes 7:4
“A joyful heart brings healing to the body.” – Proverbs 17:22
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.” – Proverbs 14:1
Nehemiah 8:10 – Joy in the Lord
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10
Related Verses:
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalms 37:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always; I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” – Psalms 126:3
Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4
Related Verses:
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” – Psalms 150:6
“Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.” – Psalms 119:1
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12
Proverbs 12:25 – Anxiety and Joy
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” – Proverbs 12:25
Related Verses:
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.” – Proverbs 15:30
“As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” – Proverbs 23:7
Psalms 2:4 – The Lord Laughs
“The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.” – Psalms 2:4
Related Verses:
“He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.” – Psalms 2:4
“Laughter is like a medicine.” – Proverbs 17:22
“A joyful heart is a good medicine.” – Proverbs 17:22
Luke 6:21 – Blessed Are You
“Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” – Luke 6:21
Related Verses:
“They will be joyful in the House of Prayer.” – Isaiah 56:7
“Joy is the trademark of believers in Christ.” – Psalms 16:11
“A cheerful heart brings joy to the Lord.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16
Proverbs 18:21 – The Power of Words
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21
Related Verses:
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24
“The heart of the wise makes their mouths prudent.” – Proverbs 16:23
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt.” – Colossians 4:6
Ephesians 5:4 – No Obscenity
“Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” – Ephesians 5:4
Related Verses:
“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.” – Proverbs 29:11
“A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.” – Proverbs 16:23
“Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths.” – Ephesians 4:29
1 Thessalonians 5:16 – Rejoice Always
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16
Related Verses:
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12
“The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” – Psalms 34:19
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” – Romans 8:28
Romans 14:17 – Righteousness and Joy
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 14:17
Related Verses:
“In your presence there is fullness of joy.” – Psalms 16:11
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.” – Romans 15:13
“Joy comes in the morning.” – Psalms 30:5
Proverbs 10:28 – Hope of the Righteous
“The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.” – Proverbs 10:28
Related Verses:
“The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life.” – Proverbs 13:14
“The plans of the righteous are just.” – Proverbs 12:5
“For I know the plans I have for you,” – Jeremiah 29:11
Psalms 126:3 – Great Things
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” – Psalms 126:3
Related Verses:
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” – Psalms 150:6
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.” – Psalms 100:1
“For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.” – Psalms 100:5
Proverbs 13:12 – Hope Deferred
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” – Proverbs 13:12
Related Verses:
“She who is a virgin is concerned about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit.” – 1 Corinthians 7:34
“Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love.” – Psalms 33:18
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” – Isaiah 40:31
1 Peter 3:10 – The Good Life
“For whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.” – 1 Peter 3:10
Related Verses:
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24
“The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.” – Proverbs 16:23
“A friend loves at all times.” – Proverbs 17:17
Proverbs 14:30 – Peace in the Heart
“A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.” – Proverbs 14:30
Related Verses:
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22
“Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.” – Victor Hugo
“The Lord will fight for you; you have only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14
2 Corinthians 1:24 – Joy in Faith
“Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.” – 2 Corinthians 1:24
Related Verses:
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10
“I will rejoice in doing them good.” – Jeremiah 32:41
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalms 37:4
Psalms 37:5 – Commit Your Way
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.” – Psalms 37:5
Related Verses:
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy.” – Psalms 16:11
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” – Psalms 4:8
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalms 147:3
Proverbs 3:13 – Blessed is the One
“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding.” – Proverbs 3:13
Related Verses:
“Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” – John 11:40
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10
“The tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18
Proverbs 30:18-19 – Wonder of Life
“There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a young woman.” – Proverbs 30:18-19
Related Verses:
“The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.” – Proverbs 14:10
“Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad.” – Ecclesiastes 7:3
“And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” – 1 John 1:4
Colossians 3:2 – Set Your Minds
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Related Verses:
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness.” – Zephaniah 3:17
Hebrews 12:2 – Fixing Our Eyes
“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame.” – Hebrews 12:2
Related Verses:
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” – Psalms 126:3
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” – Romans 12:12
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” – Colossians 3:23
James 1:2 – Consider it Pure Joy
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” – James 1:2
Related Verses:
“Count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” – James 1:2
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” – Galatians 5:22
“Tribulation produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4
Romans 15:13 – God of Hope
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
Related Verses:
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10
“For I know the plans I have for you,” – Jeremiah 29:11
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalms 37:4
Psalms 30:5 – Joy Comes in the Morning
“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” – Psalms 30:5
Related Verses:
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” – Psalms 126:3
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy.” – Psalms 16:11
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” – Psalms 51:12
Matthew 5:12 – Rejoice and Be Glad
“Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.” – Matthew 5:12
Related Verses:
“The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.” – Proverbs 14:10
“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” – James 5:13
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Galatians 5:22 – Fruit of the Spirit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” – Galatians 5:22
Related Verses:
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
“The Lord will grant you abundant prosperity.” – Deuteronomy 28:11
Proverbs 8:30 – The Joy of Wisdom
“Then I was constantly at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence.” – Proverbs 8:30
Related Verses:
“The fruit of righteousness is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives.” – Proverbs 11:30
“For the Lord grants wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6
“Wisdom is better than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” – Proverbs 8:11
Proverbs 29:6 – The Righteousness of the Righteous
“Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever.” – Proverbs 29:6
Related Verses:
“The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense.” – Proverbs 10:21
“Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.” – Proverbs 13:6
“A righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” – Psalms 34:19
Matthew 28:8 – Joy of the Resurrection
“So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.” – Matthew 28:8
Related Verses:
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10
“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” – Psalms 126:5
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” – Matthew 5:5
Acts 15:3 – Joy of the Disciples
“The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the believers very glad.” – Acts 15:3
Related Verses:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” – Jeremiah 29:11
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” – Psalms 126:3
“Joy is mine, when I look at the work the Lord has done.” – Psalms 126:3
Revelation 21:4 – No More Tears
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:4
Related Verses:
“The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” – Psalms 28:7
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalms 46:1
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” – Psalms 150:6
Galatians 4:27 – Freedom Brings Joy
“For it is written: ‘Be glad, barren woman, you who never bore a child; break forth and cry aloud, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband.’” – Galatians 4:27
Related Verses:
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” – Romans 12:15
“Every good and perfect gift is from above.” – James 1:17
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10
Hebrews 10:24-25 – Consider How to Spur on
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Related Verses:
“And let us not grow weary of doing good.” – Galatians 6:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” – Proverbs 22:9
“Encourage one another and build each other up.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 – Comfort and Strengthen
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Related Verses:
“The Joy of the Lord is our strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:16
“For I know the plans I have for you.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Proverbs 15:23 – A Word in Season
“A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word!” – Proverbs 15:23
Related Verses:
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17
“Encourage one another and build one another up.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Final Thoughts
This compilation of Bible verses illustrates the importance of joy, laughter, and the right kind of humor in our lives. The Bible recognizes that joy is a vital element of our spirit, enhancing our relationships and our perspectives. However, while humor can be beneficial, it is equally important to be mindful of how we joke and ensure that our words uplift those around us. By choosing to embrace joy in our daily lives, we reflect the heart of God and showcase His love and goodness to the world. Let us not only seek our own joy but also encourage and spread joy to others, fostering an atmosphere of laughter and love in our communities.