Sarcasm Is Mockery

Have you ever been present while others were busy conversing about someone else behind their back, jokingly maligning their character, mocking them relentlessly, or using subtle, sarcastic words? Oftentimes, sarcasm is used with humor to cover a backhanded comment intended to put the other person down or gain acceptance from those listening. But is it okay to be sarcastic? Is it okay to make fun of others, whether that person is in the wrong or not? Many people say it is, and being sarcastic is just a joke, or they may justify their behavior because they are exposing someone’s error. But what does God say about sarcasm, which the Bible calls mockery?

Proverbs 26:16-20 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly. Whoever meddles in a quarrel, not his own, is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears. Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death, is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I am only joking!” For lack of wood, the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.

Proverbs 9:12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

Proverbs 21:24 Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance.

Isaiah 28:22 Now therefore, do not be mockers, lest your bonds be made strong; For I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts, a destruction determined even upon the whole earth.

The Word of God also says that everyone believes they are right in their own eye. But many are not. Can you recall when you partook in humorous sarcasm at the expense of others, calling someone out for something you disagreed with, initiating a conversation, or starting a post on social media in this manner? Most of us have spoken sarcastically in the past. Whether it seemed innocent enough or not, I can assure you that God was not pleased in most cases.

The truth is that almost every form of sarcasm is a sin. I am sure there are exceptions when you are having fun and mutually tease one another between friends and family. Yet, that would be joking and not sarcasm, but I digress. Yes, according to its definition, sarcasm is used to mock, show contempt, cut down, and cause pain with bitter, caustic, humorous, satirical, and ironic language. Biblically speaking, sarcasm or mockery is not intended for good but for evil.

Let’s look at several definitions from a few dictionaries to see what sarcasm is;
1: the use of irony to mock or convey contempt.
2: a sharp and often satirical or ironic utterance designed to cut or give pain.
3: a mode of satirical wit depending on its effect on bitter, caustic, and often ironic language that is usually directed against an individual.
4: the use of remarks that clearly mean the opposite of what they say, made in order to hurt someone’s feelings or to criticize something in a humorous way.

Sarcasm is in no way an acceptable behavior in God’s sight. Many brush off sarcasm as okay, funny, and an adequate means of criticism, but by definition, we see that mockery, causing hurt and pain to others, bitterness, and caustic speech are all sinful behaviors and denounced by God Himself. This behavior is one of the things God hates, as noted by the following scriptures.

Proverbs 6:16-19 There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.

Ephesians 4:29 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.

Proverbs 12:16-19 The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult. Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

Now, let’s take a closer look at what sarcasm means by examining what its synonyms are: they are derision, mockery, ridicule, scorn, taunting, sneering, and scoffing. None of those behaviors is good, even though many justify them as if there is nothing wrong with them; they are clearly in error.

Among other excuses, I have heard a defense for sarcasm, even from Christians, that prophets, apostles, and even God were sarcastic in the past. We must realize that God’s people are imperfect and sometimes act out in ways that bring about God’s disapproval. Yet the difference is that God’s people repent when they realize they were wrong, and when it comes to the claim that God has been sarcastic, well, no, He did not.

It is impossible because, from the definition of sarcasm and its synonyms, it is impossible for God to do evil. Even when you see God mocking the wicked in the Bible, He is not sinning because He is the authority over man and does so in His righteous nature, showing His divine justice and highlighting the absurdity of their wickedness.

Ultimately, I hope you come to the right conclusion about sarcasm. If you do not intend to harm others and are not committing any sin with your body, heart, mind, or soul, that is not the sin of sarcasm. But if you do it with evil intentions in your heart, know there is a better way. Don’t be sarcastic, but love one another and lead them in the right way the Lord approves.

If you are going to correct someone for their error, correct them. If you feel like being sarcastic, hold your tongue and seek to be kind instead of using caustic language. Walk in the goodness and righteousness of the Lord instead of causing hurt. Remember, God commands you to be holy, as He is holy, and says, “and your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.”

James 3:13-18 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct, let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Peace be with you
Joel Beach ©️