The Bible encourages us to love one another, practice humility, and show kindness. Laughing at others, especially in a mocking or scornful way, is contrary to God’s teachings of love and compassion. Here are relevant Bible verses that address this topic to guide us toward living in a Christ-like manner.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Mocking Others
The Danger of Mocking Others
Mocking or laughing at others often stems from pride and a lack of empathy. The Bible warns against such behavior, reminding us that God values humility and calls us to treat others with love and respect. Here are some verses to reflect on.
Proverbs 21:24
“Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance.”
Galatians 6:7
“Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.”
Job 12:4
“Yet my friends laugh at me, for I call on God and expect an answer. I am a just and blameless man, yet they laugh at me.”
Proverbs 19:29
“Punishment is made for mockers, and the backs of fools are made to be beaten.”
2 Kings 2:23-24
“Elisha left Jericho and went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, a group of boys from the town began mocking and making fun of him. ‘Go away, baldy!’ they chanted. ‘Go away, baldy!’ Elisha turned around and looked at them, and he cursed them in the name of the Lord. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of them.”
God’s View on Pride and Mockery
Pride is a root cause of mockery, and the Bible speaks strongly against it. Laughing at others is a reflection of arrogance, which God opposes. Here are some verses about God’s perspective on pride and mockery.
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.”
Proverbs 14:21
“It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor.”
James 4:6
“But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, ‘God opposes the proud but favors the humble.'”
Proverbs 15:12
“Mockers hate to be corrected, so they stay away from the wise.”
Proverbs 3:34
“The Lord mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble.”
The Call to Love One Another
God’s Word calls us to love and uplift others, not to tear them down through mockery or scornful laughter. Loving others is at the heart of living as a disciple of Christ. Consider these verses:
John 13:34
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.”
Ephesians 4:32
“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
1 Peter 4:8
“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”
Romans 12:10
“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”
Colossians 3:12
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Recognizing the Power of Words
Words have the power to build up or destroy. Laughing at others in a hurtful way can cause deep pain, and the Bible reminds us to use our words wisely. Here are some verses to guide us:
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.”
Ephesians 4:29
“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
Matthew 12:36-37
“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.”
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
Proverbs 15:4
“Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”
The Importance of Forgiveness
When others laugh at us, it can be painful, but God calls us to forgive as He has forgiven us. Here are verses that encourage forgiveness and letting go of resentment:
Matthew 6:14-15
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Mark 11:25
“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Colossians 3:13
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.”
Proverbs 17:9
“Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Not Caring What Others Think
Judgment Belongs to God
When we laugh at or mock others, we are essentially passing judgment. The Bible reminds us that judgment belongs to God alone, and we are called to humility. Reflect on these verses:
Matthew 7:1-2
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.”
Romans 14:10
“So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.”
James 4:12
“God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?”
Proverbs 24:17-18
“Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble. For the Lord will be displeased with you and will turn his anger away from them.”
Ecclesiastes 12:14
“God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.”
Reaping What You Sow
The Bible reminds us that our actions, including mocking or laughing at others, have consequences. What we sow, we will eventually reap. These verses highlight the importance of treating others with love and respect to avoid negative consequences:
Galatians 6:7-8
“Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.”
Proverbs 22:8
“Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will come to an end.”
Hosea 10:12
“I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.’”
Matthew 7:12
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”
2 Corinthians 9:6
“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.”
Turning Away from Mockery
As Christians, we are called to turn away from sin, including mockery and laughing at others. God offers us the strength to change and live in righteousness. These verses encourage us to seek transformation through Christ:
Romans 12:2
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
2 Timothy 2:22
“Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.”
Psalm 34:14
“Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.”
Ephesians 5:1-2
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”
Isaiah 1:16-17
“Wash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.”