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Foolish Talking, Jesting, Joking, August 23

It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools. For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity. Ecclesiastes 7:5, 6. RRe 237.1

“Foolish talking, or jesting ... are not befitting.” Ephesians 5:4, American Standard Version. RRe 237.2

Jesting, joking, and worldly conversation belong to the world. Christians who have the peace of God in their hearts, will be cheerful and happy without indulging in lightness or frivolity. While watching unto prayer, they will have a serenity and peace which will elevate them above all superfluities.—Testimonies for the Church 3:241. RRe 237.3

The giddy laugh, the jesting, the joking, sickens the soul that is feeding on Christ. Cheap, foolish talk is painful to him.—Fundamentals of Christian Education, 457. RRe 237.4

Lightness, jesting, and joking will result in barrenness of soul, and the loss of the favor of God.—Testimonies for the Church 2:236. RRe 237.5

A mind that is intent upon having the prize, upon securing heaven, will reject with firm, determined purpose every attempt at wit and jest concerning religious things.—Messages to Young People, 266. RRe 237.6

Let no low witticism escape your lips.—The Ministry of Healing, 491. RRe 237.7

All frivolous words, all lightness and trifling, are enticements of the enemy to deprive you of spiritual strength. Brace yourselves against this evil, in the name of the God of Israel.... Trim your lamps, and keep them burning, that wherever you may go, you may reveal in speech and action precious rays of light.—Testimonies for the Church 9:133. RRe 237.8