Examining Humor, Speech, and the Divine Perspective
The Weight of Speech in a World of Mockery
In today’s media-driven culture, it’s common for presidents and other political figures to make headlines. They do this by calling people names or degrading entire countries with crude language. Many find these moments humorous, sharing clips and memes that highlight the spectacle. Yet, as entertainment value rises, it’s worth pausing. We should consider what God thinks about the words we speak. This is especially true when they are meant to belittle, insult, or stir laughter at another’s expense.
Jesus’s Timeless Teaching on Words
Jesus’s words in Matthew 12:37 are a powerful reminder. “By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” They show that speech is never trivial. When leaders use coarse language or publicly degrade others, the world will respond with laughter. Yet, scripture calls us to a higher standard. According to Jesus, every word is a window into the heart, and those words matter deeply to God.
The Context: Words as Fruit of the Heart
In Matthew 12:33–37, Jesus addresses the Pharisees, likening people to trees that are known by their fruit. In this analogy, our words are the fruit, revealing what is truly within us. “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). If our hearts are filled with kindness and grace, our words will show that. If bitterness or malice takes root, hurtful speech will naturally follow. The laughter that arises from hearing a leader use degrading language disguises a more profound issue. It reflects the condition of the heart that produces such speech.
Accountability for Every Word
It’s easy to dismiss the words of political leaders as mere entertainment. Still, Jesus warns that on the day of judgment, people will give account for every careless word they speak. (Matthew 12:36). Words have power: they can build up or tear down, bless or curse. The public humor found in mocking or degrading speech does not erase its spiritual significance. In God’s eyes, words are weighty, and they reveal our true character.
Justification and Condemnation: The Evidence of Speech
Our speech testifies about who we are. On judgment day, our words will serve as evidence. Good words flow from a heart shaped by God’s grace and point toward justification. Careless or cruel words expose spiritual deficiencies leading to condemnation. This is not about earning salvation by saying the right things. It is about demonstrating the transformation of our hearts through the way we speak.
Wisdom from Scripture on the Power of Words
· Proverbs 18:21: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Our words can shape destinies, relationships, and communities—sometimes with lasting consequences.
· James 3: The tongue is described as a small member that can set a forest ablaze. Its influence is far greater than its size, capable of steering the course of lives for good or ill.
Cultivating a Heart of Grace
The language we use reflects not only our upbringing but also the spirit within us. A polluted spring can’t yield pure water, and a heart filled with malice can’t produce uplifting speech. Only when God’s grace transforms our hearts can our words become healing and life-giving. If the heart is corrupted, our speech—no matter how widely shared or humorously received—will dishonor God and injure others.
Conclusion: Becoming Streams of Blessing
The world find it funny when powerful figures use degrading language, but God’s perspective is far different. He calls us to watch over our hearts and tongues, allowing His grace to shape our words. As followers of Christ, we should aim to speak words that bless and build up. Our words should show the character and love of God. In doing so, we become streams of blessing—bringing honor to God and goodness to those who hear.
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
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