A Prayer About Ridicule

When I laugh at others’ mistakes

DEAR LORD,

I’m known as a jokester for my sense of humor. I am always ready with a quick retort or wisecrack—puns, one-liners, clever remarks. This usually helps me build friendships as we laugh together. And my humor can defuse tension and get us through serious moments. But sometimes my quick wit backfires as my mind and tongue get me in trouble. A strength becomes a weakness. I remember ridiculing someone’s physical characteristic and, at another time, another person’s lack of musical skill. Today I mocked a good friend who had made a careless mistake and looked foolish. In each case, the person was hurt and offended by my thoughtless, caustic comments. I need your help to let me know when to keep my mouth shut and how to respond differently in certain situations. I also need to repair the relationship with my friend, asking for forgiveness. Yes, I still want to have fun and use humor, but I desire more to be seen as someone who is serious about you and sensitive to individuals’ feelings, someone who treats people with respect.

Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too. Quarrels and insults will disappear. Proverbs 22:10