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.