What is Coarse Jesting?
Coarse jesting is a phrase that you may come across in many discussions about the Bible. This is because it comes from Ephesians 5:4, where the Apostle Paul jam packs Christians with recommendations on the kind of speech they should avoid. “Coarse jesting meaning” does not have very complex notions; it defines a type of humor or a type of talk, which is inappropriate for people who seek to live a good life.
Understanding the Coarse Jesting Meaning
The phrase ‘coarse jesting or foolish talking’ is associated with the Greek word ‘eutrapelia’ which only occurs once in the New Testament, Ephesians 5:4. Because it’s only mentioned there, we are looking for specialists in order to comprehend what it implies.
As a Greek scholar, A.T. Robertson considers that eutrapelia was originally ‘being quick-witted, or rather the capacity to make jokes.’ However, he writes, with evolution this started changing to more of a harmful sense such as, “the making or appreciation of dirty jokes or coarse humor.”
Coarse jesting in simple surfaces means telling jokes or making comments that are offensive, indecent or sexual in character. Such language is improper for someone who wishes to lead a decent and ethical life.
Why is Coarse Jesting a Problem?
The Bible clearly indicates that there exists certain types of communications that believers should stay away from. In Ephesians 5:4, Paul notes that, “Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving” (ESV). This verse is in essence a limitation when it comes to using obscene, silly or vulgar language.
What is the reason behind this according to the Bible? The words we speak emanate from our hearts. Therefore, if we engage in coarse jesting, we are mentally focused on that which is not pure or worthy. Such speech can usher in other negative behaviors that can be detrimental to the speaker and the listeners as well.
Christians are not expected to fit coarse jesting with the definition of their lifestyle. This is contrary to what believers are encouraged to do, which is to speak in a manner that is uplifting and in accordance with the love, goodness, and power, of God. Dirty jokes and profanity works against this; they destroy and create an atmosphere that is far from godly.
Is All Joking Wrong?
At this point, it is expected that one will ask the question is any form of joking allowed in the Bible. The answer is in the negative. The Bible does not indicate that one is condemned for making jokes in a friendly circle where the jokes are not ill-willed. Humor may indeed be very nice, and it is a part of life that adds light and laughter into the day.
What the Bible cautions about is not jesting per se but rather about coarse jesting – offensive, vulgar or malicious jokes. There is a world of difference between telling a funny, innocently-worded joke for laughs and humiliating someone by telling them a tasteless joke which embarrasses the victim.
How Can We Avoid Coarse Jesting?
Coarse humor can be avoided by the first step, which is being careful about the words you choose. Pause for a second and ask yourself if that was an offensive joke or comment you just made.
And yes, it is good too to try and think about the good things. Rather than entertaining themselves with the shallow, try reframing one’s mind to think about the good and the beautiful. As it is also suggested by the Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Moving on to the next tip, if people can use clean language around you then surround yourself with them. When you are with others who do not use coarse humor, it is easier for you not to use it either.
What to Do If You Slip Up
Everybody is human and sometimes it is possible that you make an unintentional error. Should this scenario be real, do not worry too much. Rather, accept the error, apologize for it, and determine how you will rectify it next time.
Do not forget what you are about to say. How you say it can either be destructive or constructive. As we read in Proverbs 18:21, ‘The tongue has the power of life and death.’ By being conscious about your words, you can turn that power into good.
FAQs
What does Coarse jesting mean?
Coarse jesting is defined as the act of making rude, obscene, vulgar, or sexually crude jokes or comments. Such behavior constitutes the use of language that has the potential to be unpleasant or inappropriate. This range of speech is discouraged by the Bible, as it is inapposite for mankind which aspires to lead an admirable and upright life.
Is it in any way improper, to share a laugh with one’s mates?
It is improper to share a laugh with one’s mates and crack jokes at a filthy situation if the situation does not warrant any vulgarity. The issue lies with the jests or jokes that are lewd or vulgar. Praise, encouragement, defeatism and shaming archaic beliefs about women are brought up in the Bible.
How do I control my coarse jesting?
Maintaining coarse jesting is easy. It is sometimes hard to measure your words, but the Bible says that you should not express them. Ideas and topics of the words need to contain respect and not suggested disrespect. Respect is the key here. It is not so easy for everyone, and the variance in the set of people who one engages with is large as well.
Conclusion
The coarse jesting meaning, at its most basic, refers to foul or vulgar language. In the scriptures this is condemned, for instance, in Ephesians 5:4, because such language is contrary to the principle of how one should walk as a Christian. It is not sinful in and of itself to make a joke, however coarse jesting is to be shunned. God’s people are encouraged to speak positively and to show in their speech the love of God and the uplifting message of God through their actions.
God’s desires and love cannot properly be expressed the way you see it in this world. It requires a higher standard-eradicating coarse jesting and accepting speaking words that encourage and motivate others. It should be remembered that the words one utters originate from one’s heart; therefore, let one’s heart be laden with that which is pure, worthy, and of good report.
