David Maas, after informing us that the term humor is found nowhere in the Bible, insists that its presence is strongly implied, including many instances of God Almighty's wry sense of humor. Laughter is the best natural medicine, distracting attention, reducing tension, changing expectations, and releasing endorphins. The Scriptures caution us not to take ourselves too seriously, demonstrating that God has some techniques for puncturing pride. Self-effacing humor is a practical tool to keep ourselves humble and to value others more than ourselves. The Bible not only teaches us that there is a time to laugh, but provides many examples of humorous word play and instances of playful irony in biblical historic events, revealing that humor is a primary facet of God's character that we must inculcate in our behavior to safeguard our physical and spiritual health by displacing anger and bitterness.

Chamor * Coen Rood * Delilah * Dr. Laurence Peter * Dr. Max Levine * Dr. William Fry * Ecclesiastes 3:4 * Ekev * Elijah's sarcasm * Exodus 12:36 * I Kings 18:27 * Genesis 18:11-15; 25; 27; 29; 37; 44; 45 * God Almighty's wry sense of humor * Harry Olson * Hebrews 12:15 * Helen Borneman * Isaac * Itzak * Jacob deceives Esau * James and John * James 1:2 * Job 23:2-3; 38:4 * Joel Goldman * Jonah 4:7-11 * Jonah's humorless anger * Joy and trials * Judges 10:14 * Laban deceives Jacob * Joseph deceives brothers * Luke 9:24 * Matthew 5:22 * Nabal * Numbers 16:22 * Philippians 2:3-4 * Proverbs 15:15;17:22 * Psalms 2:4; 37:13; 115:4-8 * Romans 1:20 * Root of bitterness * The Laughter Prescription * We will not go up * You-more