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When Petty Meets Pious: The Hilarious Bible Verse That Silenced a Family Gathering

Anime illustration of a family gathering at a church christening, showcasing diverse cultural expressions.
In this vibrant anime scene, a loving family comes together for a heartfelt church christening, highlighting the beauty of diverse beliefs and traditions. It's a moment that celebrates unity and respect, reflecting the author's personal journey amidst differing faiths.

Family gatherings—especially the big ones—have an uncanny way of bringing out the best, worst, and occasionally the pettiest in all of us. There’s the cousin who brings up politics, the aunt who insists on a group prayer before every meal, and the uncle who’s convinced his potato salad is legendary. But sometimes, it’s the quiet ones who deliver the most memorable moments.

That’s exactly what happened in a recent viral Reddit post, where one attendee took a family’s Bible verse tradition and served it back with a side of wit sharper than a steak knife. Let’s dive into this tale of petty revenge, holy scripture, and one very memorable christening.

The Scene: A (Mostly) Harmonious Gathering

Redditor u/raymagini2020 describes himself as an atheist married into a large, devout family. Usually, everyone coexists harmoniously, with mutual respect for each other’s beliefs. But at a recent christening, things took a turn for the…biblical.

After the church service, the baby’s grandmother had a "brilliant idea": everyone should highlight their favorite Bible verse for the baby’s keepsake. A sweet, sentimental gesture for most, but a bit awkward for the lone atheist in the room. No big deal, he thought—his wife could pick one on their behalf. But the family matriarch insisted: everyone had to participate.

Game On: The Search for the Perfect Verse

Our hero wasn’t about to be outdone. If he had to pick a Bible verse, he was going to pick one that left an impression. So, he did what any quick-witted, petty legend would do: he Googled a verse he vaguely remembered, half-sure it was a myth. To his delight (and perhaps slight horror), Ezekiel 23:20 was not only real, but also…let’s say, not exactly Sunday School material.

For those unfamiliar, Ezekiel 23:20 reads:
"There she lusted after her lovers, whose genitals were like those of donkeys and whose emission was like that of horses."
Yes, you read that right. In the midst of a christening lunch, our protagonist offered up a verse about donkey anatomy and horse emissions.

The Fallout: Dry Steak and Sweet Victory

He calmly announced his chosen verse, sending the family scurrying for their Bibles and smartphones. The result? Let’s just say, after reading Ezekiel 23:20, the family matriarch quickly ruled that his wife could pick a verse for the both of them. No further questions asked.

Our hero got to finish his dry steak in peace, basking in the afterglow of a perfectly executed act of petty revenge. The story quickly gained traction on Reddit, with users applauding both the creativity and restraint. After all, he could have refused outright or made a scene, but instead let the scripture speak for itself—quite literally.

Lessons in Petty Genius

There’s a certain art to petty revenge. The best acts don’t involve yelling or drama—they’re subtle, clever, and leave everyone else wondering if they’ve just witnessed brilliance or madness. This story is a masterclass in that kind of finesse.

What makes it so satisfying? A few reasons:

  • Respectful Boundaries: He didn’t insult anyone’s beliefs or make a mockery of the event. He simply followed instructions, with a twist.
  • Humor Over Hostility: Instead of confrontation, he used humor to make his point, easing potential tension.
  • A Teachable Moment: Maybe next time, the family will remember that sometimes, less is more—especially when it comes to making everyone participate.

Why Does This Story Hit So Hard?

Let’s be honest: we’ve all been in situations where tradition clashes with personal beliefs. This tale resonates because it’s about finding your voice—and sometimes, your verse—when everyone else expects you to go along quietly. It’s a reminder that even in the most sacred or serious settings, there’s room for a little levity.

And if you’re ever pressured to participate in a tradition that makes you uncomfortable, remember: the Bible is a big book. Choose wisely.

Your Turn: Have You Ever Gone Petty at a Family Event?

What’s the funniest or most clever way you’ve navigated a tricky family situation? Drop your stories in the comments below—bonus points for creativity! And next time you’re at a family gathering, remember: sometimes, the best revenge is served with a side of scripture.


Whether you’re religious, atheist, or somewhere in between, we can all appreciate a well-played moment of petty genius. Just maybe double-check your Bible verses before sharing them with grandma.


Original Reddit Post: You want a Bible verse? Sure thing