Humor is an important part of the human experience. It can relieve stress, improve relationships, and provide perspective. Though the Bible speaks seriously about sin and salvation, it also contains some examples of humor and wit. Here are some Bible verses that touch on the topic of humor and laughter.
Genesis 18:12-15 – Abraham and Sarah laugh at the promise of a child in old age
In Genesis 18, three men (one of whom is the Lord) visit Abraham and Sarah to tell them that Sarah will have a son in her old age. Sarah laughs silently to herself at the idea because she is already past the age of childbearing. God calls her out on her laughter and asks, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” A year later, Sarah does indeed give birth to Isaac, whose name means “laughter.” This story shows God’s sense of humor in bringing about the impossible and the joyous laughter that ultimately came from his promise.
So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” (Genesis 18:12-14)
Proverbs 17:22 – A joyful heart is good medicine
The book of Proverbs extols the benefits of wisdom, hard work, and virtue. But it also recognizes the value of a cheerful spirit, stating that “a joyful heart is good medicine.” Laughter can improve our health, outlook, and relationships. Humor is valuable, even in the pursuit of wisdom and righteousness.
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)
Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 – There is a time to weep and a time to laugh
The author of Ecclesiastes (likely Solomon) discusses the cyclical nature of life. He writes that there are appropriate times and seasons for all kinds of experiences – including grieving and laughter. We go through hardships and joys; neither one is meant to last forever. There is value in both weeping and laughing at the right time.
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: […] a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4)
Psalm 126:1-3 – Laughter and joy when the Lord restored Zion
In Psalm 126, the psalmist remembers how the people laughed and rejoiced loudly when the Lord freed the captives in Zion. God had done great things for them, and their mouth was “filled with laughter” in response. Their joyous laughter was a reflection of God’s goodness and the great spiritual freedom he had provided.
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. (Psalm 126:1-3)
Luke 6:21 – Jesus says blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh
In the Beatitudes, Jesus contrasts the present weeping of those who follow him with the future joy and laughter they will experience in eternity. Believers may weep now because of sin’s effects in the world, but they can look forward to everlasting victory, salvation, and joy in God’s presence.
Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. (Luke 6:21)
Genesis 21:6-7 – Sarah says God has made laughter for me
When Sarah finally gives birth to Isaac in her old age, she exclaims “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.” Her own initial disbelief and laughter turned into overwhelming joy when God fulfilled his promise. She names her son Isaac, which means “he laughs,” as a memorial to God’s work in her life.
And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.” And she said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.” (Genesis 21:6-7)
Luke 10:20-21 – Jesus rejoices and laughs in the Holy Spirit
When Jesus sends out the seventy-two disciples, they return with joy that the demons submit to them. Jesus responds with great rejoicing and exultation in the Holy Spirit, saying “I thank you Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.” Christ took joy in God’s plan of redemption.
Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.” (Luke 10:20-21)
Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
Paul encourages the church in Philippi to live in continuous rejoicing. Even in difficult circumstances, believers can rejoice in the goodness and sovereignty of God. Joy is possible at all times through Christ’s redemptive work. As Christians, we can make rejoicing in the Lord central to our lives, as an expression of our faith.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)
Romans 12:15 – Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep
In his letter to the Romans, Paul urges the church to share in the experiences of others. When someone rejoices, rejoice with them. When someone grieves, grieve with them. As Christians, we get to participate in the joy of our brothers and sisters in Christ. But we also come alongside those who are suffering and offer comfort.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:15)
Job 8:20-21 – God will fill your mouth with laughter and joy
In Job 8, Bildad the Shuhite declares his faith that if Job repents, God will restore his fortunes and fill his mouth with laughter again. The trials and losses Job experienced will give way to joy and gladness again through God’s mercy. This passage expresses hope in God’s restorative power.
Behold, God will not reject a blameless man, nor take the hand of evildoers. He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting. (Job 8:20-21)
Psalm 2:2-4 – The Lord laughs at those who rebel against him
Psalm 2 poetically depicts the futility of rebelling against the Lord’s Anointed King. It states that God laughs from heaven at the futile plotting of the nations against him and his king. God is not threatened by human resistance to his will. He laughs because he is sovereign over all.
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. (Psalm 2:2-4)
Habakkuk 3:17-19 – Although the fig tree shall not blossom, yet I will rejoice in the Lord
The prophet Habakkuk resolves to find joy in God even when facing potential crop failure and poverty. He determines to rejoice in who God is, even if circumstances are bleak. Our joy ultimately comes from the Lord himself rather than external factors.
Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. (Habakkuk 3:17-18)
Psalm 30:11-12 – God turned my mourning into dancing
The writer of Psalm 30 remembers how God turned his wailing and grief into joyful dancing. When we walk faithfully with God, seasons of mourning will give way to laughter again. Our disappointment and tears are only temporary.
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever! (Psalm 30:11-12)
Proverbs 10:23 – A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom
The book of Proverbs contrasts the fleeting pleasure of fools who love evil with the lasting joy of those who seek wisdom and righteousness. If we take delight in God’s ways, it will be a source of joy to us. True happiness is not found through sin but through walking in wisdom.
Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding. (Proverbs 10:23)
Proverbs 15:13, 15 – A glad heart makes a cheerful face
This passage states that joy in the heart is expressed through a cheerful face. Cultivating our inner joy and perspective affects our outward demeanor. Conversely, suffering and hardship sap our joy and make us discouraged. As Christians, we can reflect God’s own cheerfulness in our facial expressions and demeanor.
A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. […] All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast. (Proverbs 15:13, 15)
Proverbs 17:5 – Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker
The book of Proverbs warns against mocking and making fun those less fortunate than us. When we laugh at the expense of the poor and their suffering, we show contempt for God’s image in them. We must be careful with humor that diminishes the dignity of others.
Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished. (Proverbs 17:5)
Proverbs 26:18-19 – Practical jokes can badly backfire
Playing foolish pranks and practical jokes may seem harmless on the surface. But Proverbs warns that deceiving people through such tricks often backfires and leads to harm. Humor should avoid cunning deception that might end up injuring others.
Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I am only joking!” (Proverbs 26:18-19)
James 4:9 – Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom
James issues a sober warning to those living in pleasure and self-indulgence. He calls them to grieve over their sin rather than revel in their own amusement. Foolish laughter and joy must give way to repentance and mourning at times. Not all laughter is wholesome.
Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. (James 4:9)
The Bible shows that humor is a god-given gift that can gladden our hearts. Laughter relieves burdens, improves health, and provides wise perspective when done in the right spirit. However, the Bible also warns against insensitive, deceptive, uncaring humor that belittles others or trivializes sin. As Christians, we aim for the humor that affirms the dignity in ourselves and others as image-bearers of God. We seek laughter that restores and unites rather than divides. Most importantly, we find our ultimate delight in God himself, the giver of lasting joy.