Kinds of Laughter

Scientists and physicians are just beginning to discover the physical and emotional benefits of laughter. If it is related to that which is wholesome, and appropriate to the occasion, it can be a good thing. Other reasons for laughter are not so good. Here are some kinds (or reasons) for laughter:

1. Health-giving laughter that does good like a medicine (Prov. 17:22; and see especially #3, and perhaps #4)
2. Unbelieving laughter that doubts God’s promise (Gen. 17:17; 18:12, 15)
3. Joyful laughter at a happy surprise (Gen. 21:6; cf. vs. 3, Isaac means laughter)
4. Sympathetic laughter at the foibles of man (much comedy in which we see our own failings portrayed is based on this)
5. Thoughtless, empty laughter, the laughter of a fool (Ecc. 7:6)
6. Immoral laughter, making a joke of what is displeasing to God (Eph. 5:4–a lot of television comedy sadly sinks to this)
7. Mocking laughter the belittles another’s folly (This can be cruel or righteous, depending on who and what is being mocked, cf. Gen. 21:9; Ps. 2:4, 4.)