Also, I am learning a boat-load about this blogging and RSS stuff! Thanks Thomas!

First, some of my personal observations on sarcasm: I’ve noticed sarcasm doesnt translate well in writing. Its pretty much restricted to the spoken word. It is often a disingenuous way to illustrate a point. A tactic that allows the speaker to make a statement that he is unwilling to take responsibility for. It can hinder relationships and true fellowship.

I agree with most of what you wrote, however, I don’t agree with your premise that it is the language of bullies. When was the last time you heard a bully make a sarcastic comment? Usually, a bully is in control of the situation and can express his whole mind without any thought of hiding his harsh comments in a veil of innocence. In your example of sarcasm, you said that the bully told the teacher that he was “only joking”. But I’ll bet when the boy got back to school, the bully probably assured him that he was not joking at all. He said that to get out of trouble with others more powerful than himself - bullies are truly cowards after all.

I submit that sarcasm is actually the weapon of the weak. At least in my experience, I have seen sarcasm used as an outlet for those who felt unable to express their true feelings. They are able to make a harsh or foolish statement and hide from retribution behind their sarcasm. The reasons for them feeling the way they do vary. You touched on several of them in your article. Some are insecure, some don’t want others to ask questions, some are uncomfortable with their surroundings, others simply lack the ability to be genuinely funny. I try not to be overbearing towards those I sense are being excessively sarcastic. They may not feel free to be honest.

Not that those who are sarcastic are free from blame. Sarcasm is foolishness. Those who practice foolishness are fools. I admit that I have succumbed to the temptation to be foolish. I see the dangers it poses to effective communication and have purposed to focus on saying what I mean in an up-front manner - even if it is more boring. We should all focus on becoming more effective with the words of our mouth and be understanding towards those who are not as wise as we are. Good article, Thomas.

Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

By Wikipedia’s definition, sarcasm isn’t always a bad thing, and my Dad’s comment does fall under sarcasm. Sarcasm can be a bad thing, but maybe not all the time.

> Brian

A keen reproachful expression; a satirical remark or expression, uttered with some degree of scorn or contempt; a taunt; a gibe. Of this we have an example in the remark of the Jews respecting Christ, on the cross, “He saved others, himself he cannot save.”

… so yes, it’s a sin… “let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word that is good for edification” Eph 4 - somewhere about verse 32…

and really i don’t think your dad’s comment was sarcasm… more like playing with you

I have been quite sarcastic in my time… and it usually is a cutting comment & not helpful… everyone laughs, sometimes even the one the comment is directed at… but some people, it really hurts… since we never know which way they will react… better to just not

and i really like the verse used Eph 5:4…

just my 2cents… and i am not even a debater

1) Definition

Yep, as a debater, I want a definition of sarcasm. Let me provide an example. At the book fair, my parents and I discussing my curriculum and all the things I’m going to take and what I’m not going to take because I just don’t have time. Then my Dad says, “maybe if we just game him two vitamins…” Both my Mom couldn’t help but laugh. Is this sarcasm? Because it certainly wasn’t unwholesome.

2) The “tag line”

Have you been power-tagging Thomas? Sure; the alliteration is cool, but I don’t see you discuss whether sarcasm is a sin. Just whether it is healthy or not.

Seems to me like sarcasm is a lot like civil disobedience. It’s not necessarily a sin, but it isn’t the best.

> Brian

When does sarcasm build anybody up? Never.

Sarcasm is meanness masked as humor, in my opinion. Great post.

I found some more verses.

“O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies?”
Psalm 4:2

After reading this verse I thought that a lot of sarcasm, especially the sarcasm Christians use, might not fall under “lying” so much as under “vain words”. Of course, that ties right in with your theory about personal insecurity.

“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”
Proverbs 10:19

I wonder, if we kept silent instead of raining sarcasm down on people, would we minimize our transgressions as well as our numerous words? Probably.

Thanks Thomas!! This was a very encouraging article.