Is it wrong, biblically, to tease people? To say something insulting, but not mean it? Or to prod people about their personal lives? To make them look bad, good-naturedly? What do you think?
Anne Marie, it boils down to a lie. Lies are not biblical. However, our culture accepts teasing as socially acceptable as long as the other party is fine with it. But biblically, I think it's wrong.
Watch this video about teasing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed3NVsq18Gk
I don't think these: "To say something insulting, but not mean it? Or to prod people about their personal lives? To make them look bad, good-naturedly?" are teasing.
Definition of Teasing: 1. Make fun of or attempt to provoke a person in a playful way.
We are supposed to provoke each other and urge each other on to love and good deeds.
If it's done in love, I believe that it is NOT wrong :)
I would say a couple things. First off, is the motive. If you are trying to hurt someone then it is wrong. Period.
Another is the method. Part of teasing is insulting, at least for me. It just is part of it for me. This can be either saying the opposite of what is really truly in a manner that lets the other person know that you are being facetious or exaggerating on a little thing that a person has done. I think that this comes when you are close to a person. I would not go to a random person and start teasing them as readily as I would to a friend who KNOWS me. Another thing is I would not joke about personal matters in public. Just as a matter of courtesy.
The person is important too. If the person you are teasing does not appreciate the teasing and has indicated this to you, then it is wrong to continue teasing. We should respect others and try not to provoke them into sin(in this case anger and all the aftermath of that).
The result. If the result of teasing is the loss of a friend or a rift in the relationship then it is not a good idea to continue. But teasing can result in good. I use it for myself(meaning when others tease me) as motivation. Whether it is friendly competition(I BEAT YOU!) or reminding of some embarrassing event or mocking, I use them as way to build. A tool of edification.
I tease, but I don't really think that i try to "make them look bad, good-naturedly"
ReplyDeleteI think we need to define teasing.
Marillie, you've gone the way of Moses and Me.
ReplyDeleteAnne Marie, it boils down to a lie. Lies are not biblical. However, our culture accepts teasing as socially acceptable as long as the other party is fine with it. But biblically, I think it's wrong.
Michael, where would sarcasm fit in?
ReplyDelete@ Mcp - But is it a lie if the intent is not to deceive people?
ReplyDeleteWatch this video about teasing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed3NVsq18Gk
ReplyDeleteI don't think these: "To say something insulting, but not mean it? Or to prod people about their personal lives? To make them look bad, good-naturedly?" are teasing.
Definition of Teasing: 1. Make fun of or attempt to provoke a person in a playful way.
We are supposed to provoke each other and urge each other on to love and good deeds.
If it's done in love, I believe that it is NOT wrong :)
I would say a couple things. First off, is the motive. If you are trying to hurt someone then it is wrong. Period.
ReplyDeleteAnother is the method. Part of teasing is insulting, at least for me. It just is part of it for me. This can be either saying the opposite of what is really truly in a manner that lets the other person know that you are being facetious or exaggerating on a little thing that a person has done. I think that this comes when you are close to a person. I would not go to a random person and start teasing them as readily as I would to a friend who KNOWS me. Another thing is I would not joke about personal matters in public. Just as a matter of courtesy.
The person is important too. If the person you are teasing does not appreciate the teasing and has indicated this to you, then it is wrong to continue teasing. We should respect others and try not to provoke them into sin(in this case anger and all the aftermath of that).
The result. If the result of teasing is the loss of a friend or a rift in the relationship then it is not a good idea to continue. But teasing can result in good. I use it for myself(meaning when others tease me) as motivation. Whether it is friendly competition(I BEAT YOU!) or reminding of some embarrassing event or mocking, I use them as way to build. A tool of edification.