Have you ever heard someone say, “Laughter is the best medicine”? There are reasons why Proverbs 17:22 says, “A merry heart does good, like medicine.”
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Whenever our sweet nephew and nieces have a sleepover with us, we always include our highly anticipated “Tickle Fight,” which genuinely brings so much joy!
Much like a pro wrestling ring, where wrestlers on a team can tag in and out, each kid waits for his or her turn to bravely run through the center of the living room, trying to avoid getting grabbed and tickled, while the others double over in pure delight, laughing uncontrollably until it’s their turn.
I honestly don’t know who enjoys it more—the kids, their uncle or me, as I sit on the couch in fits of laughter myself. The joy is infectious, and there isn’t a better feeling than when everyone is utterly laughed out!
Is laughter considered “good medicine”?
Have you ever heard someone say, “Laughter is the best medicine”? And have you also wondered about the origin of that saying? The concept originates from a Bible verse in the book of Proverbs, which states, “A merry heart does good, like medicine” (Proverbs 17:22).
Photo: iStockphoto.com/miniseries
How can something as simple as laughter affect us so profoundly? Laughter is described as merriment or joy, both cited abundantly in the Bible. Many scriptural principles emphasize that changing our attitude can affect our health, emotions and relationships with others and God.
Let’s explore three key benefits of laughter that can positively impact us:
- Emotional relief.
- Physical health.
- Spiritual strength.
There are benefits of laughter for emotional relief
In 2024, Mo Gawdat and Alice Law coauthored Unstressable: A Practical Guide to Stress-Free Living. In it, they write, “Research shows that 70-90% of all doctor visits in the US are reported to somehow be related to stress” (emphasis in original).
Our bodies produce stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, when we face threatening situations. They’re essential for survival in times of danger. However, excessive or prolonged exposure to these stress hormones can overwhelm our bodies and have negative effects on our health.
God created humans with the ability to laugh, and we should never underestimate its powerful effects on our emotional, mental, physical and spiritual health.
If you study the subject, you’ll readily discover that laughter can reduce stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, while releasing “feel good” hormones, such as dopamine and serotonin. Some people even seek help for emotional trauma through laughter therapy, reducing anxiety and depression and improving overall mood and quality of life.
The Bible emphasizes the positive effects laughter and joy can have in relieving emotional and mental health struggles. Here are some verses to meditate on:
- Psalm 94:19: “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy” (New International Version).
- Proverbs 15:13: “A happy heart makes the face cheerful” (NIV).
- Ecclesiastes 3:4: “A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”
- Luke 6:21: “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.”
There are benefits of laughter for our physical health
Numerous resources illustrate the physiological effects of laughter.
Reputable sources, such as the Mayo Clinic and National Institutes of Health, have published research linking laughter to improved immune function by increasing the number of antibodies and immune cells in the body. Laughter can enhance cardiovascular health by boosting blood flow and can be a natural painkiller.
Perhaps one of the Bible’s most memorable stories related to laughter is the story of Sarah. In Genesis 18, when Sarah and Abraham were “old, well advanced in age,” she laughed when she overheard God’s promise that she and her husband would have a son (verses 11-12).
Her laughter of disbelief shifted to laughter of joy at God’s incredible miracle of healing her barren womb. In Genesis 21:6, Sarah happily said, “God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me.”
What an encouraging example!
There are benefits of laughter in building spiritual strength
And there is a positive connection between joy and our spiritual state. Joy is a fruit of God’s Holy Spirit, listed in Galatians 5:22. God also says, “My servants shall sing for joy of heart” (Isaiah 65:14). And Nehemiah said that “the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
Psalm 126:2-3 recalls the time the Israelites had returned to Jerusalem after being in captivity:
“Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, ‘The LORD has done great things for them.’ The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad.”
Their laughter expressed the joy of spiritual healing after years of hardship, suffering and separation.
It’s a powerful example—and reminder—that God can bring joy and healing through hardship and that He will see us through.
Here are additional verses to meditate on:
- Luke 15:10: “Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
- James 1:2-4: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (NIV).
Laughter is good medicine!
God created humans with the ability to laugh, and we should never underestimate its powerful effects on our emotional, mental, physical and spiritual health.
To explore more about how laughter and joy can positively impact our lives, please see the following articles:
