What does the Bible say about public speaking?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that public speech should depend on God, serve others with truth and grace, and boldly testify to Christ rather than seek personal praise. God called hesitant servants such as Moses and Jeremiah, promising to give them words and courage despite their weakness (Exodus 4:11-12; Jeremiah 1:4-10). Jesus assures His disciples that the Holy Spirit will help them when they must answer before authorities (Luke 12:11-12). Believers should therefore speak clearly, graciously, and for edification, avoiding careless or corrupt words (Colossians 4:6; 1 Corinthians 14:9; Ephesians 4:29). Like John the Baptist, Christian speakers are called to point away from themselves and toward the Lord Jesus (John 1:19-23).
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Jeremiah 1:4-10 9 votes
[4] Now the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, [5] Before I formed you in the belly I knew you, and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations. [6] Then said I, Ah, Lord Yahweh! behold, I don't know how to speak; for I am a child. [7] But Yahweh said to me, Don't say, I am a child; for to whoever I shall send you, you shall go, and whatever I shall command you, you shall speak. [8] Don't be afraid because of them; for I am with you to deliver you, says Yahweh. [9] Then Yahweh put forth his hand, and touched my mouth; and Yahweh said to me, Behold, I have put my words in your mouth: [10] behold, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down and to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.
- Colossians 4:6 8 votes
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
- Exodus 4:12 7 votes
Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth, and teach you what you shall speak."
- Luke 12:11-12 6 votes
[11] When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, don't be anxious how or what you will answer, or what you will say; [12] for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that same hour what you must say."
- 1 Corinthians 14:9 3 votes
So also you, unless you uttered by the tongue words easy to understand, how would it be known what is spoken? For you would be speaking into the air.
- Exodus 4:11 3 votes
Yahweh said to him, "Who made man's mouth? Or who makes one mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Isn't it I, Yahweh?
- Jeremiah 1:8 2 votes
Don't be afraid because of them; for I am with you to deliver you, says Yahweh.
- Ephesians 6:19-20 2 votes
[19] on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel, [20] for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
- Ephesians 4:29 2 votes
Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.
- John 1:19-23 2 votes
[19] This is John's testimony, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" [20] He confessed, and didn't deny, but he confessed, "I am not the Christ." [21] They asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No." [22] They said therefore to him, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" [23] He said, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,' as Isaiah the prophet said."
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