Sarcasm

What is the Lord's view of sarcasm?

This is something I need to improve on in my language. I use sarcasm lightly, in jokes, but even then, I walk away with feelings of guilt.

I think a woman, who wrote an article for the August 2013 issue of the Ensign magazine, illustrates the principles behind sarcasm better than I can.

Her name is Jennifer Jones. She wrote:

“I moved away from my college town immediately after graduation and was eager to make friends in my new area. I quickly acclimated to a good group of people, and I enjoyed getting to know them. But some of my new friends relied on sarcasm to be funny, sometimes exploiting others’ weaknesses for humor. At first I ignored it. However, months of interactions in which humor came at the expense of someone’s feelings—including mine—left my heart heavy. I yearned for friends who would encourage me instead of make fun of my shortcomings.

“I returned to my college town for a short visit and reunited with women whom I admire for their faith, vigor, and optimism. We spent the day playing sports and talking. They were eager to hear about my life, and they listened without belittling me. We laughed hard and often—but never at someone else.

“As I sat with these women in the afternoon sunlight, I looked into their cheerful faces, and my heart lifted. Their kindness soothed like a balm, and I resolved to become a better friend, especially when it came to uplifting others with my conversation.

“The Greek root for sarcasm is sarkazein and means “to tear flesh like dogs.” One dictionary defines sarcasm as irony designed to “give pain.” Sarcasm has many uses in our communication: it can convey aggression and insult, it can be used to dominate others, and it can communicate contempt and anger. Not all sarcasm is intentionally sinister, but it has a hypocritical edge because it requires us to say the opposite of what we mean. Some use it for humor, but it often damages our relationships because it leaves our friends and family doubting our sincerity and confused by what we say.”

The For the Strength of Youth pamphlet says:

“How you communicate should reflect who you are as a son or daughter of God. Clean and intelligent language is evidence of a bright and wholesome mind. Good language that uplifts, encourages, and compliments others invites the Spirit to be with you. Our words, like our deeds, should be filled with faith, hope, and charity.

“Choose friends who use good language. Help others improve their language by your example. Be willing to politely walk away or change the subject when those around you use inappropriate language.

“Speak kindly and positively about others. Choose not to insult others or put them down, even in joking. Avoid gossip of any kind, and avoid speaking in anger. When you are tempted to say harsh or hurtful things, leave them unsaid.”

This feels like such a high standard in out day, because, it is so common and easy to overlook. Yet, I have had enough moments in my life when I have been misinterpreted, or I have misinterpreted, or someone has been hurt by my words, or the words of someone else.

I commit to being more aware of the words I use.