The most well-known verse that applies to sarcasm and joking is Ephesians 5:4. In this verse, Paul wrote, 

“Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God” (NLT).

Paul included this instruction following a section focused on Christian living (see Ephesians 4:17-32). He emphasized the need to follow Jesus and walk in the way of love, which excludes living in sexual immorality, impurity, and greed (Ephesians 5:1-3). Sinful living and words do not fit the identity of a believer as a child of God.  

Sarcastic speech and coarse joking involve using words to harm and degrade others. Humor is not always ill-intended, but sarcasm is, by definition, intended to mock others. As Harold W. Hoehner states in the section on Ephesians in the Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament edition, “Paul was not intimating that humor itself is sin, but that it is wrong when it is used to destroy or tear down others” (Victor Books, 1983, p. 638). Lots of sarcastic jabs or jokes are intended to hurt another person, which is not how God wants us to use our words (see Ephesians 4:29). 

Many commentators also emphasize how the verse denounces vulgarity in the form of sexual jokes. This includes double entendres, innuendos, and other inappropriate jests. To turn what God has given as a gift, sex within the marriage relationship, into something filthy is wrong. Believers should not be known for dirty words, but for language that praises God and brings encouragement to others (see Colossians 3:8). 

In addition to avoiding hurtful jokes and inappropriate remarks, making fun of God, His Word, or anything sacred is wrong. Our Lord is meant to be loved and revered. He is not to be mocked (Galatians 6:7). If we speak sarcastically of God, the One who created and saved us, then we display a lack of respect for Him. 

The Bible denounces sarcasm and harmful joking, as we as well making light of God and what He has done. Vulgar speech, including inappropriate, sexual jokes, has no place in the Christian life.     

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