What Does the Bible Say About Laughter?

I love a good laugh, especially the kind that makes me double over and desperately gasp for breath. I enjoy funny movies, good clean jokes, and innocent pranks. Often when I am going through periods of prolonged stress, all it takes is a good laugh to lighten the load. When my husband and I aren’t getting along, laughing together cuts the tension between us and lowers our defenses.

God knew what He was doing when we created laughter.

Humor and joy are mentioned many times throughout Scripture. Here are just a few of the things the Bible says about laughter.

Proverbs 17:22 says

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Laughter is a powerful medicine. It has been proven to lower blood pressure and reduces stress hormones.

In Genesis 18:12 Sarah laughed when the guests in her home said that she, in her old age, would have a son. Later, it’s laughter that marks the manifestation of that promise from God. When Isaac was born

Sarah said, ‘God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me’. — Genesis 21:6

Laughter is a response to God’s tremendous love and grace that He showers on us.

Life presents us with good times and bad, challenges and victories. There is

a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. — Ecclesiastes 3:4

Laughter is a part of the rhythm of life. If we only feel just pain, just grief, or even just joy, our life would be out of balance.

David says in Psalm 16:11

You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

David shares not only his sorrow and anger with God but also his laughter and joy as well. Laughter was made to be experienced in relationship. Not only can we share itwith our Heavenly Father but with others as well.

I love to laugh with my family and friends. Laughter creates camaraderie and fulfills the longing we have for connection. It also improves our relationship with our children. Kids laugh easy and can remind us not to take things so seriously. Too often as adults we get wrapped up in our responsibilities, busyness, work, discipline, and the more serious parts of life. Laughter in the family and with our kids is the expression of joy — it makes life easier, better, more relaxed, and sweeter.

Think about this: How many of your favorite memories are ones that are filled with laughter?

A funny book that will have you and your little ones laughing together is 7 Days of Awesome written by Shawn Byous. If the words don’t make you grin from ear to ear the comical illustrations by Colin Jack will. You’ll rhyme you way through each day of creation as you ponder God’s wisdom in creating our wonderful world.

“Day 6 is fantastic! You know that it is true! Day 6 is the day… God finally created You!”

I am so thankful that when God, in His wisdom, created us, He created laughter too!

As my family and I have offered it back to Him, it has proven to pick us up when we’re feeling down, balance our lives, and connected us with one another.

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Your Turn

What are some of your favorite family moments that were filled with laughter?