Today we will talk about bible verses about laughter. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. Laughter shows up in Scripture in different ways — sometimes gentle and healing, sometimes a sign of joy, and sometimes a picture of God’s power over evil. As we read bible verses about laughter, we will open our hearts to learn how God uses joy and laughter to teach us, to heal us, and to point us toward hope. Let us read with calm minds and open spirits, trusting that God speaks to us through both quiet moments and the sound of gladness. We will meditate, reflect, and let each verse guide our thoughts about faith, healing, justice, and the promise of a future filled with joy. This time together is meant to encourage our souls and help us see how laughter fits into a life rooted in Scripture. We will move gently through these passages and let the truth of God’s word settle in our hearts.
bible verses about laughter
A Cheerful Heart — Most Relevant Verse
Here we begin with a clear and simple reminder that laughter and joy are not shallow things in God’s sight. This verse points to the way a cheerful heart changes our life and health. As we look at bible verses about laughter, we keep this truth in mind: joy matters and it can refresh us.
Proverbs 17:22
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22
bible verses about laughter
Joy in God
When we think about bible verses about laughter, we remember that joy comes from knowing God. We, as a community, find our gladness rooted in who God is and what God has done. Our laughter is not shallow; it grows from the peace and hope God gives us. In these times, when life can feel heavy, we choose to come together and lean into the joy the Bible speaks about. We will see that Scripture links joy and God’s presence. That joy turns into laughter that celebrates God’s goodness. The verses here show us that joy is a response to deliverance, to God’s presence, and to the assurance of His love. We will let these words remind us to keep our hearts open to God’s renewing work, to sing and to laugh as signs of trust. Our laughter becomes a small act of worship when it is connected to praise. We will remember that rejoicing in God strengthens us and helps us face hard days with a lightened step. As we reflect on these bible verses about laughter, let us let that joy shape how we live, how we pray, and how we encourage one another in love.
Psalm 16:11
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” – Psalm 16:11
Nehemiah 8:10
“Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.’ ” – Nehemiah 8:10
Psalm 30:5
“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
Psalm 126:2
“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The LORD has done great things for them.’ ” – Psalm 126:2
bible verses about laughter
Laughter as Healing
We often turn to bible verses about laughter when we want comfort and healing. In God’s view, laughter can be part of the renewing of our hearts. We find healing not just in medicine but in the cheer that lifts our spirits. As a group, we have seen how a smile or a shared laugh eases heavy burdens. The Bible reminds us that a joyful spirit can be medicine to the soul, helping us recover from sorrow. That does not mean pain disappears right away, but laughter opens room for hope and restores strength. We will hold onto the image of God turning sadness into joy, of mornings replacing nights of tears. When we pray for healing, we can ask God for a heart that finds reasons to laugh again. Our healing includes the inner changes that let us laugh without guilt, trusting God to carry the hard parts. These bible verses about laughter teach us to accept joy as a gift—healing that strengthens our steps and helps us serve others with renewed energy. Let us welcome laughter when it comes, as part of God’s caring work in our lives.
Proverbs 17:22
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22
Proverbs 15:13
“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:13
Ecclesiastes 3:4
“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” – Ecclesiastes 3:4
Psalm 30:11
“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.” – Psalm 30:11
Isaiah 61:3
“To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a faint spirit.” – Isaiah 61:3
bible verses about laughter
Laughter and Trials
When hard times come, we look to bible verses about laughter to learn how joy fits with pain. We are not told to ignore sorrow. Instead, the Bible shows that laughter can return after trials as a sign of God’s faithfulness. We share stories of how God has brought laughter back into our lives after sorrow, and those stories strengthen our trust. Scripture tells us that suffering is not the final word, and that makes room for laughter even after deep trouble. It helps us understand that joy and sorrow can both be true at once. We will walk through verses that show people who suffered but later laughed for joy. Those verses encourage us to keep believing that God can turn hard seasons into seasons of gladness. In our small group, we promise to support one another through tears and to celebrate each step toward laughter. These bible verses about laughter give us a pathway: be honest about pain, trust God’s work, and be ready for joy to return like morning light. We will let this hope guide us when trials feel long.
Ecclesiastes 3:4
“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” – Ecclesiastes 3:4
James 1:2
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” – James 1:2
Job 8:21
“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.” – Job 8:21
Psalm 30:5
“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5
Psalm 126:5
“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” – Psalm 126:5
bible verses about laughter
Laughter in Worship
We love to include joy in our worship because bible verses about laughter remind us that praising God often brings gladness. Worship is not only solemn; it can be full of singing, shouting, and even laughter as we celebrate God’s goodness. When we worship together, laughter can be a sign of trust and freedom. It shows that we are confident in God’s care and willing to express delight in Him. The Bible connects worship and rejoicing, and when we worship, our souls are refreshed. In our gatherings, we seek to make space for both quiet prayer and joyful celebration. We see how worship that includes laughter helps people feel welcomed and alive. Our laughter becomes a language of thanks, a simple way to reflect God’s love. These bible verses about laughter encourage us to lift our voices, to dance if moved, and to let joy flow in our worship. We want our worship to be honest, full of praise, and marked by the hope we have in Christ. That hope gives us reasons to laugh and to thank God with whole hearts.
Psalm 100:1
“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.” – Psalm 100:1
Psalm 95:1
“Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.” – Psalm 95:1
Psalm 149:3
“Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp.” – Psalm 149:3
Nehemiah 8:10
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10
Psalm 30:11
“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.” – Psalm 30:11
bible verses about laughter
Laughter and Wisdom
As we study bible verses about laughter, we also seek wisdom. Wisdom teaches us when laughter is good and when it may not be wise. The Bible warns that laughter can sometimes hide foolishness or hurt. We must be careful to use laughter in ways that build up others and honor God. In our families and communities, we want laughter that brings life, not laughter that destroys. Wisdom helps us see the difference between joyful celebration and mocking or thoughtless teasing. We will practice using laughter to encourage, to heal, and to invite people closer, rather than to push people away. The verses below remind us that laughter has weight. It can be healing medicine, but it can also be empty noise. We will choose laughter that reflects self-control, compassion, and truth. In this way, our laughter becomes a sign of maturity in faith and love. We learn to laugh with discernment and to value the deep joy that comes from God.
Ecclesiastes 7:6
“Like the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of fools. This too is meaningless.” – Ecclesiastes 7:6
Proverbs 14:13
“Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief.” – Proverbs 14:13
Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” – Proverbs 20:1
Ecclesiastes 3:4
“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” – Ecclesiastes 3:4
Proverbs 15:13
“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:13
bible verses about laughter
Laughter and Mockery
We must face the darker side of laughter too. Bible verses about laughter show that laughter can be used to mock or to challenge God’s people. We have seen how ridicule can wound and how it can be used against truth. In Scripture, sometimes people laugh at God’s promises or at those who trust God. That kind of laughter is not from the Lord. Yet, the Bible also tells us that God sees and is not moved by the mockery of the wicked; He often responds with quiet strength. As a community, we stand against laughter that bullies or destroys. We will learn to comfort those who are laughed at and to practice compassion. Our reactions, as followers of Christ, should be shaped by mercy and patience. These bible verses about laughter remind us to use our words and our laughter to heal, not to hurt. We will take care to speak truth with gentleness, so our laughter builds trust instead of tearing it down.
Psalm 2:4
“The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.” – Psalm 2:4
Psalm 37:13
“But the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that their day is coming.” – Psalm 37:13
Luke 6:25
“Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.” – Luke 6:25
Job 12:4
“I am a laughingstock to my friends, though I called on God and he answered—a mere laughingstock, though righteous and blameless!” – Job 12:4
Psalm 22:7
“All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads.” – Psalm 22:7
bible verses about laughter
Laughter of the Righteous
Our faith shows that righteous laughter is different. Bible verses about laughter include moments when God’s people laugh because of relief, rescue, and a sense of God’s faithful work. This is laughter that grows from gratitude and trust. It reflects a life shaped by God’s goodness. We, as a family of faith, love to see laughter like this—gentle, thankful, and shared with others. It reminds us that God meets us in everyday life, turning hard times into reasons to praise. The righteous laugh not because life is perfect, but because God is with them. Our laughter then becomes a testimony—people notice when joy returns to those who trust. We will keep choosing hope and cultivate laughter that points back to God’s faithfulness. These bible verses about laughter help us recognize a holy kind of joy, one that flows from trust and results in praise that warms the heart of our community.
Psalm 126:2
“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.” – Psalm 126:2
Job 8:21
“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.” – Job 8:21
Psalm 30:11
“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.” – Psalm 30:11
Luke 6:21
“Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” – Luke 6:21
Isaiah 12:6
“Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.” – Isaiah 12:6
bible verses about laughter
Divine Laughter and Judgment
Some bible verses about laughter show God laughing at the proud and wicked. This is not laughter like ours; it is a sign that God is in control and will not be mocked. When people place themselves above God or scorn His ways, the Bible pictures God’s confident response as laughter. That laughter points to God’s justice and wisdom. For us, it is a reminder to remain humble and to trust God’s timing. We should not take comfort in others’ downfall, but we can rest knowing God sees all things and will set things right. These verses balance the image of joyful, healing laughter with the idea that God’s laughter can be a warning to the proud. As a community, we learn from these bible verses about laughter to live humbly, to avoid arrogance, and to trust God’s righteous care for the world.
Psalm 2:4
“The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.” – Psalm 2:4
Psalm 59:8
“But you laugh at them, Lord; you scoff at all those nations.” – Psalm 59:8
Psalm 37:13
“But the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that their day is coming.” – Psalm 37:13
Psalm 2:1-3 (selected verse shows the nations’ plotting)
“Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and his anointed.” – Psalm 2:1-3
Job 12:4
“I am a laughingstock to my friends, though I called on God and he answered—a mere laughingstock, though righteous and blameless!” – Job 12:4
bible verses about laughter
Laughter as Gift
We remember that joy and laughter are gifts from God in many bible verses about laughter. Our ability to laugh, to celebrate, and to find delight in life is a blessing. When we lose that gift during hard seasons, Scripture reminds us that God can restore it. We will thank God for laughter given as a healing balm, a sign of restored hope, and a way to connect with others. In our worship and daily life, we want our laughter to express gratitude for God’s gifts. It is not merely a natural reflex; it can be a holy response. As a group, we celebrate how God renews our strength and gives back joy to us. These verses teach us to see laughter as part of God’s generous work in our lives. We will use our laughter to bless others, to offer comfort, and to testify to God’s care that brings smiles back into weary faces.
Proverbs 17:22
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22
Ecclesiastes 3:4
“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” – Ecclesiastes 3:4
Psalm 30:11
“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.” – Psalm 30:11
Psalm 126:3
“The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” – Psalm 126:3
Isaiah 51:11
“Those the LORD has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads.” – Isaiah 51:11
bible verses about laughter
Laughter and Hope
Finally, bible verses about laughter point us toward hope. Laughter often appears in Scripture as a sign that God’s promises are coming true. When we see joy restored, we are reminded that God keeps His promises and that the future holds good things for those who trust Him. We will cling to this hope in our low moments, believing that God can turn sorrow into gladness. Our laughter then becomes a small foretaste of the great joy promised to us. We will encourage one another with these truths, helping friends find reasons to hope again. As a family of faith, we will practice patience and trust and look forward to the day when all sorrow ends. These bible verses about laughter give us reasons to smile even amid trials because they point to God’s faithful love and the bright future He has prepared for us. Let hope shape our laughter so it always speaks of trust in God’s care.
Psalm 30:5
“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5
Psalm 126:5-6
“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.” – Psalm 126:5-6
Romans 12:12
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12
Isaiah 51:11
“Those the LORD has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads.” – Isaiah 51:11
Jeremiah 31:13
“Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.” – Jeremiah 31:13
Final Thoughts
I have enjoyed walking through these bible verses about laughter with you. We saw that laughter in Scripture is many things: healing, worship, wisdom, challenge, and hope. We learned that God values joy and uses it to restore our hearts. At times laughter warns us about pride, and at other times it invites us to celebrate God’s faithful care.
We can carry these verses into our daily lives by choosing laughter that heals and builds others up. When sorrow comes, we will remember that God can bring rejoicing back. Our hope is grounded in the God who turns mourning into dancing and who fills our mouths with laughter.
Let us pray for hearts that find room for joy, for wisdom to use laughter kindly, and for courage to hold onto hope. Together, we will welcome God’s gift of laughter as part of the full life He offers us.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
Bible Commentary, Blog
30 Important bible verses about selflessness (With Explanation)