Krsna laughed because it was not proper to show anger towards the ignorant brahmanas. He wanted to show that one who aspires for results should not become despondent, that one who begs should not give up. (laukikim gatim).

Though the boys spoke to both of them Balarāma did not reply since he was anger because of offense to Kṛṣṇa and knew Kṛṣṇa’s intentions. Kṛṣṇa answered. He heard them while they were close, as they slowly revealed the brāhmaṇas’ disrespect with sorrow. He laughed loudly because he was the controller of everything and was endowed with all powers. He asked for food for fun. Therefore it was appropriate to laugh with detachment. He showed that if asking men did not succeed, one should ask their wives (laukikīṁ gatim). This is one curious pastime with a special point. After showing that humans are inferior to the trees, he shows that those devoted to chanting the Vedas and doing sacrifices but who are not devotees of the Lord end up suffering with faults of pride etc. and do not attain auspiciousness, whereas devotees without these faults are topmost. He performed this pastime to show this point to the people by the behavior of the brāhmaṇas and their wives.

Though the boys spoke to both of them Balarāma did not reply since he was angry because of the offense to Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa alone answered. Kṛṣṇa heard at close range (upākarṇya). The boys came close and spoke softly because they were aggrieved by the brāhmaṇas lack of respect. Or he heard at close range so others would not be grieved by hearing. He laughed loudly when he heard the news, at the great ignorance and pride of the brāhmaṇas or to relieve the boys of sorrow. Though he was lord of the brāhmaṇas (jagadīśvaraḥ) he did not consider this an offense, because he was omniscient (bhagavān). What is their fault if they are bewildered by my māyā? Or he was most merciful (bhagavān). He taught that, where begging from the men was unsuccessful, one could beg from their wives. Or he wanted to teach that for succeeding in bhakti, one must beg and that it would not be without obstacles. Previously immediately on hearing of the hunger pains of the cowherds he sent them to the ignorant brāhmaṇas, though he was omniscient. Later on reflecting on the matter, he sent them to the wives. Or materialists dedicated to chanting the Vedas and performing sacrifices end with pride and suffering, not with peace. Those without these faults are far superior. He taught this to the world by his interaction with the wives. Or he wanted to show the material principle that love for the Lord was stronger in women than in men. Thus he sent them first to the men.