If I could pull up a chair with any Baptist preacher from history, Charles Spurgeon—the “Prince of Preachers”—would top my list. He’s known for his powerful preaching, blending powerful diction and vivid illustrations that resonate with lay audiences. But I’ve come to appreciate something else about him: his character, his lightning-fast wit, and his infectious humor. Spurgeon showed with his ready humor that the highest spirituality can coexist with a cheerful, engaging personality. His wit, truly, was as abundant as his wisdom. Here are a few of my favorite stories that capture the humor of the man behind the pulpit:
On Marriage: The Head and the Neck
When addressing a soon-to-be-married couple, Spurgeon encouraged them to stay “dearly beloved” not only at the start but throughout their marriage together, mutually sharing their sorrows and multiplying their joys. Referring to Ephesians 5:23, he told the bride:
“According to the teaching of the apostle, ‘The husband is the head of the wife.’ Don’t you try to be the head; but you be the neck, then you can turn the head whichever way you like.”
On Criticism: Smoking “Too Much”
Spurgeon famously enjoyed cigars, often for medicinal reasons as he battled various ailments. He didn’t view cigar smoking as intrinsically wrong, if not in excess, and said he would quit if he finds himself smoking too much. Once a particularly critical person asked him exactly how much was “too much.”
Spurgeon replied, “Two at a time, of course.” 🙂
On His Age: The Sixteen-Year-Old Orator
Even as a young man, Spurgeon’s oratory skills were staggering. On his first effort at preaching in the pulpit, a woman in the congregation was so enthralled that she cried out mid-service, “Bless your heart, how old are you?” Spurgeon politely replied that the service should not be interrupted. After the last hymn was sung, she asked the same question again.
“I am under sixty,” he replied. “Yes, and under sixteen!” she shot back. The congregation was so blessed by his preaching that they asked him to preach again as soon as possible.
On Agnosticism
A gentleman said to Spurgeon, “Ah! Mr. Spurgeon, I don’t agree with you about religion; I am an agnostic.” Spurgeon replied, “Yes! That is a Greek word, and the exact equivalent is ignoramus; if you like to claim that title, you are quite welcome to.”
