Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Jeremiah 51:54-52:34, Titus 3:1-15, Psalm 100:1-5, Proverbs 26:18-19

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“Just Kidding” Isn’t Innocent

“Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, ‘I was only joking.’” — Proverbs 26:18–19 (NLT)

There’s a kind of cruelty that’s disguised as comedy. It’s not harmless sarcasm—it’s calculated deception meant to wound, provoke, or emotionally harm. Proverbs compares this behavior to a madman wielding a deadly weapon – they run around shooting people then tell them they are “fine”. That isn’t funny. It’s evil.

Imagine someone saying:
“Your mom just died in a car accident.”
Or: “Your husband’s cheating on you.”
Then, after watching the panic and pain rise on your face, they smirk and say: “Relax… I was just kidding.”
That’s not humor. That’s manipulation and torture.

This kind of emotional sabotage is not a personality quirk—it’s a spiritual tactic of the enemy, and it causes deep internal injury. Lies that toy with trust, stability, and peace aren’t jokes. They’re tools of torment. And when someone delivers these verbal wounds and then hides behind “just kidding,” they’re refusing responsibility while still doing damage.

Not all deception comes through elaborate lies; sometimes it hides behind what seems like harmless jabs or teasing as well. But even subtle words that embarrass, belittle, or provoke are designed to strike the heart. These small daggers of “humor” are another form of torment—meant to wound while pretending to play. Whether it’s a cruel prank, a fake story, or a mocking joke, the intent is the same: to unsettle peace and damage trust. God sees through the disguise. He calls us to speak life, not to toy with another’s heart for amusement.

The Word of God calls us to truth in love, not lies for laughs. Deceit of any kind—especially when dressed up as humor—is poison to the soul and a mockery of the Lord’s character. We must guard ourselves from those who do this and be sure we don’t do it ourselves. We are accountable for every word uttered. Scripture teaches us:

“And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you” (Matthew 12:36-37). 💎

Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take just 5 minutes with God today and let Him speak personally to you. Ask Him:

• “Lord, what do you want me to know about this?
  • Journal what He whispers to you through his Holy Spirit.
• Then ask, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Journal what He whispers to you then do it!

Prayer

Lord, expose deception for what it is—whether it comes from others or hides in my own heart. Teach me in the ways I should go and the words I should speak. I don’t want to hurt anyone, excuse lies or minimize wounds. Heal any area of my life that’s been damaged by false words, and teach me to speak with truth, wisdom, and compassion. Replace my forked tongue with a holy tongue – making straight anything crooked within me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.