P041 Dirty Jokes
Dirty Jokes
[Eph 5:4]
Eph 5:4, Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
Eph 5:4 (NLT) Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes, these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.
Filthiness: Gk. aischrotes (ahee-skhrot’-ace) shamefulness, i.e. obscenity, all that is contrary to purity.
Foolish talking: Gk. morologia (mo-rol-og-ee’-ah) literally means “silly talk, i.e. buffoonery.”
Jesting: Read at least the first 20 verses of this chapter, to keep this verse in context. Paul is not against humor, but unsuitable and unclean jesting. Some jesting is convenient, meaning “fitting and proper; suitable” (American Heritage Dictionary). Joking with a person in an appropriate way can be very useful to building relationships. Jesting with a person in an inappropriate way can be damaging. If the person you are kidding doesn’t like it, it is inappropriate.
My Confession:
Instead of dirty, coarse jokes, I will direct conversations toward things that please God. My motive is to bless others. My humor should always be appropriate and edifying in some way.
