Sarcasm, what it means really. Also, what the Bible says about it.

Sarcasm is the use of sharp, cutting remarks or language intended to mock, wound, or subject to contempt or ridicule.

When I look at it using a thesaurus this is what I get:

acrimony, aspersion, banter, bitterness, burlesque, censure, comeback, contempt, criticism, cut*, cynicism, derision, dig*, disparagement, invective, irony, mockery, put-down*, raillery, rancor, ridicule, satire, scorn, sneering, wisecrack, causticness, corrosiveness, flouting, lampooning, mordancy, scoffing, sharpness, superciliousness







Psalm 52 (KJV)

2 The tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

4 Thou lovest all devouring (destroying, annihilating) words, O thou deceitful tongue.

BITTERNESS

Ephesians 4 (New International Version)

Ephesians 4

25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 

31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 

32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.


James 3

9With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.
10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 
11Can both fresh water and salt[a] water flow from the same spring? 
12My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.

16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 
18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.



MOCKERY

Galatians 6
7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 
8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature[a]will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Didn't know this, but it comes from the ancient Greek σαρκάζω (sarkazo) meaning 'to tear flesh' but the ancient Greek word for the rhetorical concept of taunting was instead χλευασμός (chleyasmόs). Sarcasm appears several times in the Old Testament

Hey many times I have used this word myself. Thinking it would clean up a comment that was not received so well. Although I and many may proclaim it was just used in a form of wit, I beg to differ.

If you look at the meaning of Sarcasm, we do use it for what we meant. Have no problem admitting that I myself was thinking just as it was defined.

Don't like that about myself. This past week Michael Jackson died. Was appalled at the remarks and comments that was made about his life. Some by people that I know practice Christianity. Comments like "people die everyday, what's the big deal", "i was just being sarcastic about the comments I made about Michael Jackson, can't you take a joke." Basically, "what is all the hoopla about?"

Of course I ran to defend him. Not as him being an entertainer, but a human being. Who would want those kind of remarks made about them after they pass. Or about their loved ones. It was cruel and insensitive.

Sarcasm will always be used, but please reconsider using it. What are your intentions? We are suppose to build each other up. Doesn't mean we can't joke with each other...just what are your intentions?


Imitating Christ's Humility

Philippians 2

1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 
2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 
3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 
4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Remember Cain's response "Am I my brother's keeper?" Genesis 4

So what should we practice? civility, courtesy, diplomacy, flattery, kindness, politeness, sweetness, commendation, praise

PRAISE AND KINDNESS

Galatians 5
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 
24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 
26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Rules for Holy Living

Colossians 3
8But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 
9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 
10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 
13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 
14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 
16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 
17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

2 Peter 1

5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;
6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 
7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 
8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
10Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 
11and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.


Philippians 4

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.