… and it happened again.
You know what I am talking about. The moment where everyone was laughing but there was a this twinge in someone’s eye, the one you thought you were “just teasing.” Afterall, everyone loves sarcasm, and those that don’t are too sensitive or just don’t get funny humor. I know all of this is absolutely true because I use to suffer from this disease called meism. Apprarently I was so wrapped up in my selfishness and pride that I thought humor that pointed out others short comings was actually really funny. Often it makes for a great sitcom, but sarcasm should never be used in any other context… at least that’s my opinion.
“Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it.” Eph. 4:29
So the Bible is pretty clear on this one, need more reference?
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit” Prov. 15:4
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Prov. 12:18
‘The whole 3rd Chapter of James”
If that wasn’t enough to try and uplift our fellow man, the word Sarcasm comes from the Greek word “SARX” which literally means tearing of the flesh.
Just to be clear, there’s even more references to how we should talk then I have time to mention. In addition, the Bible mentions Sarcasm 147 times [Matthew 16:17; 19:5,6; 24:22 26:41; et. al.] carnal — 2 times [Romans 8:7 and Hebrews 9:10 carnally — 1 time [Romans 8:6] fleshly — 1 time [Colossians 2:18] In addition two other words which have their root in ‘sarx’ are: sarkikos carnal — 7 times [Romans 7:14; 1 Corinthians 3:1,3(2x),4; 2 Corinthians 10:4; Hebrews 7:16] fleshly — 2 times [2 Corinthians 1:12] carnal things — 2 times [Romans 15:2; 1 Corinthians 9:11] sarkinos fleshly — 1 time [2 Corinthians 3:3]
Sarcasm can be defined by our own dictionary: “a sharp, bitter, or cutting expression or remark; a bitter jibe or taunt”,[1] usually conveyed through irony or understatement.[2] Most authorities distinguish sarcasm from irony;[3] however, others argue that sarcasm may or often does involve irony[4] or employs ambivalence.[5]
So how do you change and will you lose friends?
The only thing that helped me was my relationship with Jesus. I prayed for changed and began to notice when those thoughts and words would come out. My friends noticed but more importantly my wife noticed. My relationship with people is much better as a result.
What do you think about this? Do you agree?
