SAFE WORD: LAUGH

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) Many a time we use and speak word so easily without thinking much of whether such word is correct  to use in our daily conversation. We treat it lightly. Word such as "LUCK" is not found in the Bible and yet we often use it.

b) Why is it so necessary to learn to use and speak the correct word? Matthew 12:36-37 has a lot to say about it.

i) ³⁶ But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. ³⁷ For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36-37 NKJV)

c) We will have to give an account of ourselves (Romans 14:12), every idle (careless, empty, thoughtless, worthless) word we speak (Matthew 12:36) and every work (deed) including every secret (hidden) thing whether good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:14) in the day of judgment. For that reason, it compels us to use and speak the correct word or words especially God's Word. It's safe to use and we can learn a lot from its intended meaning.

1. Safe word:

a) Laugh(ed) (ing) (s) (ter) - to show mirth, joy, or scorn at something amusing.

2. Biblical references:

a) Genesis 17:17; 18:10-13 

i) ¹⁷ Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Shall a child be born to a man who is one hundred years old? And shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” (Genesis 17:17 NKJV)

ii) ¹⁰ And He said, “I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son.” (Sarah was listening in the tent door which was behind him.) ¹¹ Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age; and Sarah had passed the age of childbearing.¹² Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, “After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?” ¹³ And the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’ (Genesis 18:10-13 NKJV)

b) 2 Kings 19:21

I) ²¹ This is the word which the Lord has spoken concerning him: ‘The virgin, the daughter of Zion, Has despised you, laughed you to scorn; The daughter of Jerusalem, Has shaken her head behind your back! (2 Kings 19:21 NKJV)

c) Job 8:21

i)²¹ He will yet fill your mouth with laughing, And your lips with rejoicing. (Job 8:21 NKJV)    

d) Psalms 37:12-13 

i) ¹² The wicked plots against the just, And gnashes at him with his teeth. ¹³ The Lord laughs at him, For He sees that his day is coming. (Psalms 37:12-13 NKJV)

e) Proverbs 14:13

i) ¹³ Even in laughter the heart may sorrow, And the end of mirth may be grief. (Proverbs 14:13 NKJV)  

f) Ecclesiastes 3:4

i) ⁴ A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance. (Ecclesiastes 3:4 NKJV)

g) Luke 6:25

i) ²⁵ Woe to you who are full, For you shall hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, For you shall mourn and weep. (Luke 6:25 NKJV)

h) James 4:8-9

i) ⁸ Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹ Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. (James 4:8-9 NKJV) 

The End ...