The fact that Scripture is silent regarding humor generally -- and more particularly regarding humor in preaching -- should instil humility in anybody who addresses this topic. The old maxim says 'fools rush in where angels fear to tread' so one approaches this subject with a healthy respect for the problems it presents. Some Christians today might agree with the words of the Earl of Chesterfield (1694-1773) who said 'In my mind, there is nothing so illiberal and so ill-bred, as audible laughter'1 especially if we add the words 'in church'. Others, however, may feel that the need to discuss such an issue is not only pedantic but is also rather pathetic.
The Westminster Confession of Faith (Chapter 21, Paragraph 1) and The Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 (Chapter 22, Paragraph 1) both make the following statement. 'But the acceptable way of worshipping the true God is instituted by himself, and so limited by his own revealed will, that he may not be worshipped according to the imaginations and devices of men...or any other way not prescribed in the Holy Scriptures.' For those who would seek to invoke the authority of the 'Regulative Principle' on this issue I should make a clear disclaimer. I am not actually advocating the use of humor and I am certainly not suggesting that humor may have a role to play in the worship of God.
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There are references to 'laughter' in both the Old and New Testaments but they do not illuminate this issue for us. In Genesis we encounter the incredulous and inappropriate laugh of Sarah. There are several Old Testament references to God's derisive laughter at his enemies.2 Ecclesiastes tells us there is 'a time to weep and a time to laugh' (3: 4). In other words there are appropriate occasions for regrets and for rejoicing. There are times for crying and times for celebrating. As Paul says 'Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn' (Rom.12: 15).
Jesus said 'Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh' (Lk.6: 21) and 'Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep' (Lk.6: 25). In other words Jesus is saying if you weep over your sins now and that sorrow turns your heart to God you will be comforted and know joy in the future. On the other hand if you continue to frolic in your folly and sinfulness and refuse to repent you will know future sorrow.
These words of Christ indicate that those who pursue laughter as an end in itself and indulge in godless pursuits to fulfil that objective will regret it throughout eternity. But he also promises laughter as a future blessing to those who are remorseful and repentant. One of Job's 'comforters', Bildad, says 'He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy' (Job.8: 21). That, however, in context, is a superficial statement that is little more than a pious platitude. Solomon says, "Laughter...is foolish..." (Eccles.2: 2) and 'Sorrow is better than laughter...' (Eccles.7: 3). His serious view of life shows contempt for superficiality and frivolity as the following verse shows: 'Like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of fools' (Eccles.7: 6).