Pro 26:18 | MHM | STEP | The Danger of Deceitful Joking This section warns against hurting others through lies and tricks, even when someone says they are "just joking." It compares this kind of behavior to someone who is out of control and dangerous, and it shows how serious the results can be, even if the person claims it was only for fun. v. 18 : People who deceive their neighbors are compared to a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death (Proverbs 26:18 ). They may think they are clever, but really, their actions are wild and reckless. Their lies and tricks can cause great harm, just like fire or arrows can hurt or destroy from far away. When these people are caught or corrected, they often make a weak excuse by saying, Am not I in sport? —meaning, “I was only joking.” But joking with lies or insults is dangerous, like playing with fire. The Bible warns us not to excuse hurting others with playful words. If someone lies to make people laugh, soon they may lie for selfish gain, and this leads to more serious sin. As it is written, they teach their tongues to tell lies (Jeremiah 9:5 ). Lies come from the devil and lead to destruction, so we must not take them lightly, even in jokes.

‏ Proverbs 26:18

The Danger of Deceitful Joking

This section warns against hurting others through lies and tricks, even when someone says they are "just joking." It compares this kind of behavior to someone who is out of control and dangerous, and it shows how serious the results can be, even if the person claims it was only for fun.

v. 18: People who deceive their neighbors are compared to a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death (Proverbs 26:18 ^a). They may think they are clever, but really, their actions are wild and reckless. Their lies and tricks can cause great harm, just like fire or arrows can hurt or destroy from far away. When these people are caught or corrected, they often make a weak excuse by saying, Am not I in sport?—meaning, “I was only joking.” But joking with lies or insults is dangerous, like playing with fire. The Bible warns us not to excuse hurting others with playful words. If someone lies to make people laugh, soon they may lie for selfish gain, and this leads to more serious sin. As it is written, they teach their tongues to tell lies (Jeremiah 9:5 ^b). Lies come from the devil and lead to destruction, so we must not take them lightly, even in jokes.