Free from the Stronghold of Sarcasm

Sarcasm and laziness walk hand in hand before a stronghold of sarcasm is established. One of the easiest ways to hurt an offender is to stab out with our words. However, we take comfort in thinking that there are little or limited physical consequences of using sarcasm, and as a result, we use this weapon over and over again until it becomes a habit leading to a stronghold.

When we use our mouths to tear down or destroy someone, we are blocking ourselves from the steps it might take to tackle a problem with the right actions and words.

Proverbs 26:16 A lazy person thinks he is wiser than seven people who give a sensible answer.

So how does this stronghold take root in our hearts and minds? To understand this, we first need to know what sarcasm is and how it can be destructive.

Unusual sarcasm notice (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the dictionary, we see that sarcasm is the use of remarks that clearly mean the opposite of what they say, made in order to hurt someone’s feelings or to criticize something in a humorous way. 

Sarcasm can be brought on by anger, frustration, abuse, hate, bitterness, and many other strongholds. In effect sarcasm is “a sharp, bitter, or cutting expression or remark; a bitter gibe or taunt.” The word, sarcasm, comes from the Greek σαρκασμός (sarkasmos) which is taken from σαρκάζειν meaning “to tear flesh, bite the lip in rage, sneer”.

When sarcasm digs in and becomes a stronghold, as with any other verbal abuse, it will destroy in some way–either the host or the victim-target or both. How can we recognize when our words are sarcastic and set us up against the word of God?

5 Biblical tips to overcome the stronghold of sarcasm:

1. Check your motives. Will, what you are about to say build up or tear down?

Proverbs 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plan evil, but joy belongs to those who advise peace.

Matthew 12:37 By your words you will be declared innocent, or by your words you will be declared guilty.”

2. Trust God and his word for your battles.

Isaiah 55:11 My word, which comes from my mouth, is like the rain and snow.  It will not  come back to me without results. It will accomplish whatever I want and achieve whatever I send it to do.”

2 Corinthians 10:4 The weapons we use in our fight are not made by humans. Rather, they are powerful weapons from God. With them we destroy people’s defenses, that is, their arguments…

3. Use your words carefully. Any careless word will be wasted.

Matthew 5:37 Simply say yes or no. Anything more than that comes from the evil one.

Ephesians 5:4 It’s not right that dirty stories, foolish talk, or obscene jokes should be mentioned among you either. Instead, give thanks to God.

Matthew 12:36 I can guarantee that on judgment day people will have to give an account of every careless word they say.

4. Search your heart. Are you speaking life or death into existence?

Ephesians 4:29 Don’t say anything that would hurt another person. Instead, speak only what is good so that you can give help wherever it is needed. That way, what you say will help those who hear you.

Ephesians 4:15 Instead, as we lovingly speak the truth, we will grow up completely in our relationship to Christ, who is the head.

Proverbs 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plan evil, but joy belongs to those who advise peace.

5. Remember the law of sowing and reaping. What you sow (even with your words) is what you will reap in this life.

Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love to talk will have to eat their own words.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

Free from the Stronghold of Facetiousness

Facetiousness, like many other strongholds, begins as a thought which may become a habit. A facetious stronghold is one of the most hidden strongholds because it is sanctioned by the world and worldly thinking. We may enjoy a laugh or two at the expense of another without even being aware that this spirit has taken up residence.
When discovered, this stronghold could rise up and invite other strongholds to protect itself. Before it gives up its domain, facetiousness may invite strongholds of denial, defense, arrogance, spite, criticism, and many others.

In the guise of resembling humor, facetiousness in a host may gain credibility and continue on for years without the host or anyone else seeing the true destroyer behind the host’s words. These words treat serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor.


Ephesians 5:4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.

Although at first the words of a host of facetiousness may seem amusing or frivolous, the gift of words is given to us by God.  Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love to talk will have to eat their own words.

So, what can be done to keep this seemingly innocuous habit from becoming a stronghold?

5 Biblical tips to overcome the stronghold of facetiousness:

1. Weigh your words carefully. Since we know our words are powerful, we need to make sure the power of our words builds up, rather than knocks down.

Matthew 12:36-37 “I can guarantee that on judgment day people will have to give an account of every careless word they say. ³⁷ By your words, you will be declared innocent, or by your words, you will be declared guilty.”

2. Take control over your own habits, particularly when it comes to the words you use.

Ephesians 5:4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving

3. Stay in Christ. A friend of the world will come to ruin.

James 4:4 Don’t you know that love for this evil world is hatred toward God? Whoever wants to be a friend of this world is an enemy of God. 

4. Recognize the difference between foolish and wise words. Filter out the input you get through the media, your friends, and others around you.

Ecclesiastes 10:13 A fool starts out by talking foolishness and ends up saying crazy things that are dangerous.

5. Follow Godly advice and wisdom from the word of God. No one who takes God seriously will allow facetiousness to rein in his/her life.

James 1:22 Do what God’s word says. Don’t merely listen to it, or you will fool yourselves.
Proverbs 10:8 The one who is truly wise accepts commands, but the one who talks foolishly will be thrown down headfirst.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka