SeekGod.ca Discussion Forum

(02-21-2011 02:16 PM)Vic Wrote: [ -> ]Is having a sense of humor a sin?

Is there a difference between jesting and having a merry heart?

Eph 5:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

Pro 15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

Pro 15:15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

Pro 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

How is the word "jesting" defined in that context? I've wondered for years.

I think God gave us a sense of humor and that He has one Himself (anyone who has watched an ostrich run may draw that conclusion). As with artistic talent, humor can be used to glorify God (helping sick and old people to laugh so they will be healthy) or misused to blaspheme Him (what the evangelical atheist "comedians" do). Humor becomes sinful when it is misused for a sinful purpose.

Hi LM,

Here's the definitions for jesting:

From Strong's

G2160
εὐτραπελία
eutrapelia
yoo-trap-el-ee'-ah
From a compound of G2095 and a derivative of the base of G5157 (meaning well turned, that is, ready at repartee, jocose); witticism, that is, (in a vulgar sense) ribaldry: - jesting.

From Thayers >

G2160
εὐτραπελία
eutrapelia
Thayer Definition:
1) pleasantry, humour, facetiousness
2) in a bad sense
2a) scurrility, ribaldry, low jesting
Part of Speech: noun feminine
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: (meaning well-turned, i.e. ready at repartee, jocose)


I have no idea what some of those are so:

Webster's 1828 dictionary >

Repartee
REPARTEE', n.

A smart, ready and witty reply.

Cupid was as bad as he; hear but the youngster's repartee.

REPARTEE', v.i. To make smart and witty replies.


Ribaldry
RIB'ALDRY, n. Mean, vulgar language; chiefly, obscene language.

Facetiousness
FACE'TIOUSNESS, n. Sportive humor; pleasantry; the quality of exciting laughter or good humor.

Jesting
JEST'ING, ppr. Joking; talking for diversion or merriment.

JEST'ING, n. A joking; concise wit; wit that consists in a trope or verbal figure, in a metaphorical sense of words, or in a double sense of the same word, or in similitude of sound in different words.

Scurrility
SCURRIL'ITY, n. [L. scurrilitas.] Such low. vulgar, indecent or abusive language as is used by mean fellows, buffoons, jesters and the like; grossness of reproach or invective; obscene jests, &c.

Banish scurrility and profaneness. Dryden.

Jocose
JOCO'SE, a. [L. jocosus, from jocus, a joke.]

1. Given to jokes and jesting; merry; waggish; used of persons.

2. Containing a joke; sportive; merry; as jocose or comical airs.


Witticism
WITTICISM, n. [from wit.] A sentence or phrase which is affectedly witty; a low kind of wit.

--He is full of conceptions, points of epigram, and witticisms; all which are below the dignity of heroic verse.


>>>>>>>

merry heart

merry
BDB H2896
טוב
ṭôb
BDB Definition:
1) good, pleasant, agreeable (adjective)
1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses)
1b) pleasant (to the higher nature)
1c) good, excellent (of its kind)
1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation
1e) good, appropriate, becoming
1f) better (comparative)
1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man’s sensuous nature)
1h) good understanding (of man’s intellectual nature)
1i) good, kind, benign
1j) good, right (ethical)
2) a good thing, benefit, welfare (noun masculine)
2a) welfare, prosperity, happiness
2b) good things (collective)
2c) good, benefit
2d) moral good
3) welfare, benefit, good things (noun feminine)
3a) welfare, prosperity, happiness
3b) good things (collective)
3c) bounty


Strongs > merry

H2896
טוב
ṭôb
tobe
From H2895; good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well): - beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, X fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, X most, pleasant, + pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well ([-favoured]).


heart >

Strong's
H3820
לב
lêb
labe
A form of H3824; the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything: - + care for, comfortably, consent, X considered, courag [-eous], friend [-ly], ([broken-], [hard-], [merry-], [stiff-], [stout-], double) heart ([-ed]), X heed, X I, kindly, midst, mind (-ed), X regard ([-ed)], X themselves, X unawares, understanding, X well, willingly, wisdom.

BDB >

heart
H3820
לב
lêb
BDB Definition:
1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding
1a) inner part, midst
1a1) midst (of things)
1a2) heart (of man)
1a3) soul, heart (of man)
1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory
1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will)
1a6) conscience
1a7) heart (of moral character)
1a8) as seat of appetites
1a9) as seat of emotions and passions
1a10) as seat of courage

webster's dictionary 1828

Merry
MER'RY, a.

1. Gay and noisy; jovial; exhilarated to laughter.

Man is the merriest species of the creation.

They drank and were merry with him. Gen 43.

2. Causing laughter or mirth; as a merry jest.

3. Brisk; as a merry gale. [This is the primary sense of the word.]

4. Pleasant; agreeable; delightful.

To make merry, to be jovial; to indulge in hilarity; to feast with mirth. Judg 9.

From vines nt--I haven't looked up all the words here and cross references yet, but thought this would be good place to start to look at meanings using those base words


1. euphraino (G2165), in the active voice, "to cheer, make glad," 2Co_2:2, is used everywhere else in the passive voice, signifying, "to be happy, rejoice, make merry," and translated "to be merry" in Luk_12:19; Luk_15:23, Luk_15:24, Luk_15:29, Luk_15:32; in Luk_16:19, "fared (sumptuously)"; in Rev_11:10, make merry. See FARE, GLAD, REJOICE.

2. euthumeo (G2114), from eu, "well," and thumos, "the soul," as the principle of feeling, especially strong feeling, signifies "to make cheerful"; it is used intransitively in the NT, "to be of good cheer," Act_27:22, Act_27:25; in Jam_5:13, RV, "is (any) cheerful?" (KJV, "...merry?"). See CHEER.

Okay, that is easier to figure out. The definitions of "jesting" used in the verse are the ones that refer to obscene humor. I was very much hoping that it didn't mean it was a sin to tell a joke.

(02-21-2011 07:10 PM)YYZ Skinhead Wrote: [ -> ]How is the word "jesting" defined in that context? I've wondered for years.

I think God gave us a sense of humor and that He has one Himself (anyone who has watched an ostrich run may draw that conclusion). As with artistic talent, humor can be used to glorify God (helping sick and old people to laugh so they will be healthy) or misused to blaspheme Him (what the evangelical atheist "comedians" do). Humor becomes sinful when it is misused for a sinful purpose.

I know God has a sense of humor - He made me Just kidding, but I am a funny little old granny

Here are some Scriptures that refer to laughing - be blessed!

Psa 126:1 <A Song of degrees.> When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
Psa 126:2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.
Psa 126:3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

Gen 21:6 And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me.
Gen 21:7 And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son [Isaac] in his old age.

Ecc 3:4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

Luk 6:21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.

Job 8:19 Behold, this is the joy of his way, and out of the earth shall others grow.
Job 8:20 Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help the evil doers:
Job 8:21 Till he fill thy mouth with laughing, and thy lips with rejoicing.

I know God has a sense of humour - in a long line of funny experiences in my life The Lord gave me something to chuckle over last week that also demonstrated, again, that we can take ANY problem to him...
I was in hospital and suffering that common affliction which is a side effect of fasting, anesthetics and a change in diet and routine. In desperation I prayed for help, and was feeling uncommonly disappointed that half an hour later nothing had changed, and the door opened and a woman I had met just once before came in with a bunch of flowers. She said that she had heard I was in hospital and she had felt compelled to visit. She asked how I was feeling, and casting all propriety aside I told her. "I'm really glad you said that" she tells me brightly because I was at the health food store when I saw these and just knew I had to get them for you! ... and she handed me a bag of Chinese dates.

(02-22-2011 05:52 PM)Mary Wrote: [ -> ]I know God has a sense of humour - in a long line of funny experiences in my life The Lord gave me something to chuckle over last week that also demonstrated, again, that we can take ANY problem to him...
I was in hospital and suffering that common affliction which is a side effect of fasting, anesthetics and a change in diet and routine. In desperation I prayed for help, and was feeling uncommonly disappointed that half an hour later nothing had changed, and the door opened and a woman I had met just once before came in with a bunch of flowers. She said that she had heard I was in hospital and she had felt compelled to visit. She asked how I was feeling, and casting all propriety aside I told her. "I'm really glad you said that" she tells me brightly because I was at the health food store when I saw these and just knew I had to get them for you! ... and she handed me a bag of Chinese dates.

It is true that all things work together for good, even Chinese dates.

Yes, God does have a sense of humor. Hope you are feeling better and stronger each day.

(02-22-2011 05:52 PM)Mary Wrote: [ -> ]I know God has a sense of humour - in a long line of funny experiences in my life The Lord gave me something to chuckle over last week that also demonstrated, again, that we can take ANY problem to him...
I was in hospital and suffering that common affliction which is a side effect of fasting, anesthetics and a change in diet and routine. In desperation I prayed for help, and was feeling uncommonly disappointed that half an hour later nothing had changed, and the door opened and a woman I had met just once before came in with a bunch of flowers. She said that she had heard I was in hospital and she had felt compelled to visit. She asked how I was feeling, and casting all propriety aside I told her. "I'm really glad you said that" she tells me brightly because I was at the health food store when I saw these and just knew I had to get them for you! ... and she handed me a bag of Chinese dates.

I am so sorry that you were "down and out" I pray that you are doing better and feeling stronger.



I am so thankful that God provided for you and in a humorous way That was so cool. I know that He has given us the ability to laugh even in the middles of crisis. As I have heard said, in those times, if you don't laugh, you cry and I can sure say how true!!!





Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

(02-23-2011 03:33 PM)sheep wrecked Wrote: [ -> ]

(02-22-2011 05:52 PM)Mary Wrote: [ -> ]I know God has a sense of humour - in a long line of funny experiences in my life The Lord gave me something to chuckle over last week that also demonstrated, again, that we can take ANY problem to him...
I was in hospital and suffering that common affliction which is a side effect of fasting, anesthetics and a change in diet and routine. In desperation I prayed for help, and was feeling uncommonly disappointed that half an hour later nothing had changed, and the door opened and a woman I had met just once before came in with a bunch of flowers. She said that she had heard I was in hospital and she had felt compelled to visit. She asked how I was feeling, and casting all propriety aside I told her. "I'm really glad you said that" she tells me brightly because I was at the health food store when I saw these and just knew I had to get them for you! ... and she handed me a bag of Chinese dates.

Thank you Sheep and for your kind words on the other thread. God Bless you too. You are in my prayers.
I am so sorry that you were "down and out" I pray that you are doing better and feeling stronger.



I am so thankful that God provided for you and in a humorous way That was so cool. I know that He has given us the ability to laugh even in the middles of crisis. As I have heard said, in those times, if you don't laugh, you cry and I can sure say how true!!!





Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

---

(02-23-2011 07:15 PM)Rose of Shushan Wrote: [ -> ]Mary I'm also sorry to hear you have been ill
wishing you lots of healing and peace!

Thank you Rose. I feel strong until I do too much and then I go trembling back to bed, but each time I get up, I stay up a little longer.

It is a great blessing to have the comfort of friends, so here is a song for everyone:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fvui12qOAr4