No Joke

Proverbs 26:18-19

18 Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows

19 is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, "I was only joking!"

Have you ever told someone something that wasn't true and then covered it up with the excuse that it was just a joke?

We often say things without thinking about the effect our words will have on people. When they get upset over it we try to cover it up and say we didn't mean it. The simple fact is that a lie is a lie and lies will hurt everyone involved. We should say what we mean and mean what we say. How hard can that be?

The consequences of these actions can be likened to a fire. A fiery arrow burns where it lands, and you can put out the flame, but the damage is done. It leaves a singe mark and pain. When you really think about it, it's no joke!