What does the Bible say about tact?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that tact is wise, humble, and timely speech and action that seeks peace, serves others, and honors God without compromising truth. Proverbs 15:1 commends the gentle answer that turns away wrath, while Proverbs 25:15 shows that patient, persuasive words can overcome resistance. Paul adapted his manner to those he served in 1 Corinthians 9:19-22, not to dilute the gospel but to win others to Christ. Gideon’s reply in Judges 8:1-3 and Abigail’s intervention in 1 Samuel 25:18-37 illustrate how humility and discernment can prevent needless conflict. Yet tact is not cowardice: believers should speak truth modestly, as Paul models in 2 Corinthians 12:6, entrusting outcomes to the Lord.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- General scriptures concerning Proverbs 15:1; Proverbs 25:15
- In preaching 1 Corinthians 9:19-22; 2 Corinthians 12:6
- Of Gideon Judges 8:1-3
- Of Saul, in managing malcontents 1 Samuel 10:27; 1 Samuel 11:7; 1 Samuel 11:12-15
- Nabal’ s wife 1 Samuel 25:18-37
- In David’ s popular methods
- In mourning for Abner 2 Samuel 3:28-37
- In organizing the temple music 1 Chronicles 15:16-24
- In securing popular consent to bringing the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem 1 Chronicles 13:1-4
- Joab’ s trick in obtaining David’ s consent to the return of Absalom 2 Samuel 14:1-22
- The wise woman of Abel 2 Samuel 20:16-22
- Solomon, in arbitrating between the prostitutes 1 Kings 3:24-28
- Mordecai, in concealing Esther’ s nationality Esther 2:10
- Esther, in placating the king Esther 5:7
- Paul
- In circumcising Timothy Acts 16:3
- In turning the preaching of his adversaries to advantage Philippians 1:10-22
- In stimulating benevolent giving 2 Corinthians 8:1-8; 2 Corinthians 9:1-5
- In putting the two religious factions of the Jews against each other when he was in trouble Acts 23:6-10
- The town clerk of Ephesus Acts 19:35-41
- The group decision at Jerusalem Acts 21:20-25
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