Should Christians Use Sarcasm?

I come from a long line of family members who use sarcasm as part of conversation. Most of the time, it is not used with the intention of hurting anyone's feelings or putting people down. Rather, it is used as a form of humor or to emphasize the irony of a situation. But is it biblical? Should Christians use sarcasm?

The Bible is clear about what kinds of speech should and should not come from the mouth of the believer. If we look at Ephesians 4:29, it gives the instruction, "Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only that which is helpful to build up others according to their need, that it may profit those who hear." Reading these words, it would make sense that sarcasm would not be included in what is considered helpful in edifying others.

But what about instances in the Bible where there seems to be sarcasm or satire underlying the speaker's tone? Although the tone is not indicated, there are passages in the Bible where the words speak for themselves. One of my favorites is Elijah taunting the prophets of Baal:

"And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, 'Shout aloud, for he is a god. Either he is thinking, or he is doing his business, or he is traveling, or he is sleeping and has to be woken up. '" 1 Kings 18:27 ESV

I think it's safe to say that Elijah doesn't believe these gods actually use the bathroom or are on a trip. The verse states in black and white that it mocks the worshipers of Baal. He can't help but throw those words out there, making a point of who the one true God is. Is it sarcasm? Or is it satire?

While these two words used to have different meanings, they are now used almost interchangeably. In the past, satire was more often used in reference to plays and writings that expose human folly, which Elijah does here. It exposes the fact that the beliefs of these prophets have no basis in truth.

When it comes to sarcasm, the Christian's intent is key.

Here are five things to consider before using it:

1. Are your words intended to hurt others or be cruel?

If the answer is yes, then it is better to be silent. The scriptures are filled with reminders of the power of our words, and we can use that power for good or ill. Although it is not a sin to get angry, our anger becomes a sin when we act out of rage or with the intention of hurting someone else. Our words can point others toward Jesus or away from him, and when we are aware of this truth, we can impact generations of people in the best way possible.

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." Proverbs 18:21 ESV

2. Are your words driven by pride or an inflated ego?

Sometimes we use sarcasm because of an inflated sense of self. We want to draw attention to the fact that we think we are better than whatever shortcoming our sarcasm is directed at. This is another case where it's best to shut up or re-evaluate how we use our words. Although we may think we are better than the establishment, ruler, or deficiency we ridicule, Paul gives clear instructions on how we should view ourselves:

"For by the grace given unto me I say unto each one of you: Do not esteem yourselves higher than ye ought, but rather think of yourselves with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith that God has distributed to each one of you. .” Romans 12:3 BDS

3. Is this medium effective for your audience?

Some of the pastors of churches I have been with over the years sometimes used sarcasm in their sermons. When it was used, it was always with the same intent that Elijah probably had when he used it with Baal worshipers: to expose human folly and/or a tendency toward some sin. It wasn't with the intention of puffing himself up or making himself look smarter than anyone else. They were well aware that they needed grace as much as everyone else, and sarcasm was more of a form of humor used to make the congregation laugh. Perhaps more importantly, he was effective in illustrating their point. The devotees responded and understood the intended meaning.

There are several instances where Jesus also used this type of communication. Often it was directed at Pharisees or religious leaders who claimed to follow God, but...