No Jokes Please Poem by Richard Merrell

For there are many preachers
That show a comedy,
They also use theatrics
But it pulls no weight with me.
God's Scripture they mix with humour
And delight the simple folk,
Who when they leave the meeting say;
'What a funny bloke.'

But wisdom gives discretion
With understanding she doth speak
To keep man's mouth from rashness
If wisdom he will seek.

For I received wisdom's counsel
To me these words she spoke,
'Be instant with the Word and
forget about the joke.'

Ecclesiastes 5: 1,2