Laughter is often described as medicine for the soul. It can lift our spirits, ease our troubles, and bring people together. Did you know that the Bible also has numerous verses about laughter?
These powerful words can remind us of the joy and happiness that can be found in life. So, let’s delve into some of these verses and discover how laughter is truly a gift from God.
Also Read: 27 Bible Verses About Laughter Is Good for the Soul (With Commentary)
Bible Verses About Laughter
Proverbs 17:22
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
This verse highlights the importance of having a joyful and positive attitude. Laughter has the power to bring healing and refreshment to our hearts and bodies. When we have a cheerful heart, we experience the goodness of God’s provision and find strength to face life’s challenges.
Ecclesiastes 3:4
“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”
Life consists of different seasons, including times of laughter. Laughter is an expression of joy and happiness, which God wants us to experience in our lives. It is a reminder that even in difficult times, there will be moments of joy that allow us to appreciate the goodness of God.
Proverbs 15:13
“A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.”
Our inner emotions are often reflected on our faces. A joyful heart can bring a smile to our faces and radiate positivity to those around us. However, when our hearts are burdened with sadness, it affects our spirit and overall well-being. God encourages us to seek joy and laughter as it can uplift our spirits and bring healing to our hearts.
Psalm 126:2
“Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.'”
This verse speaks of the joy and laughter that come from experiencing God’s faithfulness. When God blesses us and answers our prayers, it brings about a deep sense of joy that overflows into laughter. This laughter becomes a testimony to the goodness of God and serves as a witness to those around us.
Proverbs 31:25
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.”
This verse portrays a woman of strength and dignity who can face the future with confidence and laughter. Trusting in God’s faithfulness and provision enables us to laugh at the uncertainties of the future, knowing that God holds our tomorrow in His hands. It reminds us that laughter is not a sign of ignorance but a display of faith in God’s sovereignty.
Psalm 2:4
“He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.”
In this verse, we see God’s divine laughter in response to the rebellion of the nations against Him. It demonstrates His sovereign power and authority over all things. This laughter reminds us that God is not troubled by the opposition or challenges we face. He sees the bigger picture and is in control, which brings comfort and assurance to our hearts.
Job 8:21
“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.”
This verse brings a message of hope during times of hardship. It assures us that God is able to turn our mourning into laughter and restore our joy. He is a God of redemption who can transform our sorrow into gladness. It encourages us to hold onto faith, knowing that God is working behind the scenes to bring forth laughter and joy in our lives.
Psalm 30:11
“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.”
This verse illustrates the transformative power of God’s love and mercy. When we surrender our sorrows to Him, He can turn our mourning into dancing. God’s intervention brings joy and laughter, replacing our sadness with a deep sense of gladness and gratitude. It is a reminder of the joy that comes from having a relationship with Him.
Proverbs 14:13
“Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief.”
While laughter is important and brings joy, this verse cautions us that there may still be pain and sorrow hidden beneath the laughter. It reminds us that true joy comes from an intimate relationship with God, rather than external circumstances. We should not solely rely on worldly laughter, for it may ultimately lead to grief. Instead, our laughter should be rooted in God’s joy, which sustains us even in the midst of trials.
Job 29:24
“I smiled on them when they had no confidence, and the light of my face they did not cast down.”
This verse highlights the power of a smile and joyful countenance. We can be a source of encouragement and hope to others when we choose to smile even in the face of adversity. A smile can symbolize love, acceptance, and reassurance, helping to uplift others and remind them of God’s presence in their lives.
Proverbs 15:15
“All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.”
This verse contrasts the experiences of those who are afflicted with those who maintain a cheerful heart. Despite the challenges, a person with a joyful heart can find abundance and satisfaction in every circumstance. Their inner contentment acts as a continual feast, reminding them of God’s provision and faithfulness. It challenges us to cultivate a joyful heart and find reasons to be grateful, even when faced with difficulties.
Nehemiah 8:10
“Then he said to them, ‘Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'”
In this verse, we see the importance of celebrating and rejoicing in the Lord. The joy we find in God’s presence is not only a source of happiness but also a strength that sustains us through life’s challenges. It reminds us to share our joy and blessings with others, extending God’s love and grace to those in need.
Psalm 126:2
“Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.'”
This verse speaks of the joy and laughter that come from experiencing God’s faithfulness. When God blesses us and answers our prayers, it brings about a deep sense of joy that overflows into laughter. This laughter becomes a testimony to the goodness of God and serves as a witness to those around us.
Proverbs 17:22
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
This verse highlights the importance of having a joyful and positive attitude. Laughter has the power to bring healing and refreshment to our hearts and bodies. When we have a cheerful heart, we experience the goodness of God’s provision and find strength to face life’s challenges.
2 Chronicles 30:21-23
“The sons of Israel present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great joy, and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day after day with loud instruments to the LORD. Then Hezekiah spoke encouragingly to all the Levites who showed good insight in the things of the LORD. So they ate for the appointed seven days, sacrificing peace offerings and giving thanks to the LORD God of their fathers.”
This passage describes a celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread where the Israelites expressed their joy and praise to God through music and offerings. It illustrates the power of collective laughter and celebration as a way to honor and worship God. These joyful festivities served as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision.
Psalm 100:1-2
“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!”
This Psalm invites us to make a joyful noise and serve the Lord with gladness. It encourages us to enter God’s presence with singing and praise. Laughter and joyful worship are offerings that we can bring to God, expressing our gratitude for His goodness and faithfulness. In His presence, we find joy and fulfillment.
Proverbs 15:13
“A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.”
Our inner emotions are often reflected on our faces. A joyful heart can bring a smile to our faces and radiate positivity to those around us. However, when our hearts are burdened with sadness, it affects our spirit and overall well-being. God encourages us to seek joy and laughter as it can uplift our spirits and bring healing to our hearts.
Psalm 126:6
“He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.”
This verse demonstrates the principle of sowing and reaping in the context of joy. It reminds us that even in times of sorrow and difficulty, if we faithfully sow seeds of hope and trust in God, we shall reap a harvest of joy and celebration. Our momentary weeping can transform into shouts of joy as we witness God’s faithfulness and blessing over our lives.
Psalm 118:24
“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
This verse encourages us to live with an attitude of joy and gratitude. Each day is a gift from God, and regardless of our circumstances, we can find reasons to rejoice and be glad. We can choose to focus on the goodness of God and His faithfulness in our lives, which brings about a spirit of joy and laughter.
Luke 6:21
“Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.”
In this verse, Jesus teaches that true joy can be found amidst hunger and weeping. It is a reminder that our temporary struggles and sorrows will one day be replaced by eternal joy. As we trust in God’s promises, we can look forward to a future filled with laughter and rejoicing, knowing that He will fulfill His plans for our lives.
Psalm 37:4
“Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
This verse reminds us that when we find delight in the Lord, He will fulfill the desires of our hearts. Delighting in the Lord involves finding joy and satisfaction in His presence and His will for our lives. As we align our hearts with His, we can experience true joy and laughter, knowing that He is our provider and will grant us the desires that align with His perfect plan.
Psalm 30:5
“For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
This verse reassures us that even in moments of weeping, joy is on its way. The duration of our sorrow is temporary compared to the everlasting favor and joy that come from God. His faithfulness and love bring joy in the morning, signifying a new day of hope, restoration, and laughter.
Psalm 126:1-3
“When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, ‘The LORD has done great things for them.’ The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.”
This passage celebrates the restoration and faithfulness of God. When God restores us from our difficult circumstances, it brings about a sense of disbelief and overwhelming joy. Our mouths are filled with laughter and our tongues with shouts of joy as we acknowledge and proclaim the great things that God has done for us. This serves as a testimony to the nations of God’s goodness and faithfulness.
Psalm 150:6
“Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!”
This verse calls for all creation to join in praising the Lord. It is an invitation to express our joy and laughter through worship. In praising God, we acknowledge His greatness, faithfulness, and love. It is through our worship and praise that we can experience the true joy that comes from a relationship with Him.
Proverbs 31:25
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.”
This verse portrays a woman of strength and dignity who can face the future with confidence and laughter. Trusting in God’s faithfulness and provision enables us to laugh at the uncertainties of the future, knowing that God holds our tomorrow in His hands. It reminds us that laughter is not a sign of ignorance but a display of faith in God’s sovereignty.
Ecclesiastes 11:9
“Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.”
This verse encourages the youth to find joy and cheerfulness in their lives. It is a reminder to enjoy the blessings of youth and the freedom to pursue their desires and dreams. However, it also serves as a caution to remember that their actions are accountable to God. The laughter and joy of youth should be grounded in godly principles and wisdom.
Psalm 144:15
“Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!”
This verse emphasizes the source of true happiness and joy. When God is our Lord, guiding and leading our lives, we can experience genuine joy that is not dependent on worldly circumstances. The happiness found in a relationship with God surpasses temporary pleasures and brings everlasting fulfillment.
Proverbs 31:26
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
This verse speaks of a woman who possesses wisdom and kindness. Laughter can be a way to spread joy, but it should also be accompanied by wisdom and kindness. It encourages us to use our words and actions to uplift others, bring comfort, and share the love of God. True laughter is characterized by a genuine care for others and a desire to bring joy into their lives.
Psalm 65:8
“So those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs; you make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy.”
This verse acknowledges the wonders of God’s creation that bring joy and awe to those who witness them. The beauty of sunrise and sunset serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and care for His creation. It invites us to join in the joy by appreciating and celebrating the wonders of God’s handiwork.
Also Read: 20+ Bible Verses About Obedience (With Commentary)
What Does the Bible Say About Laughter?
Laughter is a theme that is touched upon in the Bible, although it’s not a central focus. The Bible recognizes laughter as a natural human emotion and often associates it with joy and mirth. There are instances in the Bible where laughter is mentioned in contexts of celebration, happiness, or even surprise.
For example, the birth of Isaac in Genesis is associated with laughter, as his name means “he laughs,” reflecting the joy and surprise of his elderly parents. In Ecclesiastes, it’s noted that there’s a time for everything, including a time to laugh. Proverbs also mentions that a cheerful heart is good medicine.
However, the Bible also cautions against inappropriate or mocking laughter. In some instances, laughter is associated with scorn or disbelief, as seen when Sarah laughs at the idea of bearing a child in her old age.
Overall, the Bible acknowledges the value of laughter as a source of joy and comfort in appropriate contexts, but it also calls for discernment and respect for others’ feelings.