Scriptures About Speaking To Others And Knowing What To Say
Sometimes not knowing what to say to others can be very intimidating. Often we find ourselves in situations where we might have to have a difficult conversation or confrontation. Occasionally, we might even have to defend ourselves from time to time. Some situations are less serious, and we just need some wisdom or guidance on saying the right thing or clearly communicating a message. Fortunately, I have found some scriptures about speaking that I like to turn into a prayer request depending on my need at the time.
Personally, I’ve spent a significant amount of time in prayer using these scriptures about speaking to ask for God’s help to say the right thing at the right time. They also help me to ask for help to clearly explain something. Actually, I pray many of these verses before I write a blog post as well because I truly want my posts to be God-led, clearly explained and contain information that will help anyone who reads them. I also use these scriptures before a difficult conversation or confrontation when I know I’ll need to tread lightly and when the right words are so important. I even use them to help me discern when to keep my mouth shut! Lastly, I always want the words that come out of my mouth to only mirror what God would say.
I’d like to share some of my go-to scriptures for speaking that I use when I’m in these types of situations. Some I have found on my own with research on the topic. Others have been shared with me by close friends when I’ve reached out for prayer. My hope and prayer is that you might find a few go-to verses for yourself that help you know what to say when you are at a loss for words or need a little help.
Scriptures about speaking the right words and having the right timing:
“For I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you!” Luke 21:15 (NLT)
“…don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time.” Matthew 10:19b (NLT)
“Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” Colossians 4:6 (NLT)
“And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.” Ephesians 6:19 (NLT)
“People enjoy giving good advice. Saying the right word at the right time is so pleasing.” Proverbs 15:23 (NCV)
Scriptures about speaking when you’re worried about what to say:
“When they bring you before the synagogues and the magistrates and the authorities, do not be worried about how you are to defend yourselves or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 12:11-12 (AMP)
“Make up your minds not to worry ahead of time about what you will say. I will give you the wisdom to say things that none of your enemies will be able to stand against or prove wrong.” Luke 21:14-15 (NCV)
Scriptures about speaking with caution:
“Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3 (NIV)
“Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.” Proverbs 21:23 (NLT)
“Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.” Proverbs 13:3 (NLT)
Scriptures about speaking things in a way others will understand:
“Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.” Colossians 4:4 (NLT)
“My mouth shall speak words of wisdom, my heart shall offer insights” Psalms 49:4 (NABRE)
“…Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Ephesians 4:29b (NLT)
Scriptures about speaking what God says:
“Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” Exodus 4:12 (NLT)
“I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it.” John 12:49 (NLT)
“For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.” John 3:34 (NIV)
“And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the LORD, have spoken!” Then the LORD reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth!” Jeremiah 1:8-9 (NLT)
“And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or be terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people. You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious. But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious people; open your mouth and eat what I give you.” Ezekiel 2:6-8 (NIV)
Take Some Practical Steps To Use These Scriptures About Speaking:
- Bookmark, Print, or Pin this page. Hold onto it—you never know when these scriptures may come in handy. Having several similar scriptures in one place will save you the time of having to go and look them all up in a time of need.
- Write a few of your favorites on an index card. Post it somewhere or keep it handy. I keep one on my nightstand. I also put the one about guarding my mouth in my bathroom so that I see it every morning as I’m getting ready.
- Pick out one or two of these scriptures to memorize. If you know a verse or two by heart, it will come in handy at a moment’s notice. You can use it in an “emergency” situation when you need to respond to someone and don’t have a lot of time to spend looking for verses.
- Turn some of the verses into positive affirmations. For example, you can say “I will say the right words at the right time” (Matthew 10:19 / Proverbs 15:23 NLT). Or “God will give me the right words and such wisdom that none of my opponents will be able to reply or refute me” (Luke 21:15 NLT). You could also say “I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should” (Colossians 4:4 NLT). Read this post here on how to turn scripture into positive affirmations.
I’ve put these scriptures about speaking into different categories but really some of the verses could overlap into other categories. You might also find it helpful to look these verses up in others translations as well. Some translations may “speak” to your situation better than others. I hope you find these helpful and pray that they help you know what to say in your own situations and circumstances!
In what situations do you find it hard to know what to say? Which of these scriptures about speaking “speaks” to you? Tell us about it by leaving a comment below.
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Pre-written prayers personally, have been a great blessing to me. A lot of times when I pray, I know what’s in my heart, but I don’t know how to put it in to words. There is an example for this, has anyone experienced listening to a song and it just touches your heart and it has the exact words how you may be feeling?
It could be a inspirational song, a country song, a rock song, blues, a ballad. Listening to anyone of these, you could feel this song, listening to it, was saying exactly what you wanted to say. Whether your happy, sad, angry etc. That’s why the music industry is so popular. Poetry can have the same effect.
I personally have been blessed a lot by these prayers that you have written in your blog. I’ve prayed the prayer in question a hundred times over my grown children.
Anyway, sorry for the long comment. I guess I found some words.????
God Bless you and your ministry.
Thanks Donna!
I’m glad you found your words! 😉 Songs and poetry are a PERFECT example! Thanks so much for the analogy.
Interested in examples others have used when presented with an issue. Ex: discussing a news program, talking to others regarding a situation of friend or family, how to decide when to be silent, things along that line. Scripture teaches in WHATEVER in word and deed, and All. This relates to everything, not certain times, but all times. I find this can be difficult. Thanks
Hi Mary,
I think this is a question that many Christians struggle with in this current highly polarized culture. Unfortunately, oftentimes more harm than good is done in the name of Christ. Many Christians have good intentions and think they are doing the right thing in some situations (i.e. feeling it necessary to always speak out about divisive or controversial topics, such as what you might see on the news), but instead they end up driving people further away from Christianity and a relationship with God. Most certainly there are times when God wants us to use our voice to point people to the truth, but how and when we do it are just as important as what we say. That’s why it’s so important to be spirit-led when talking about hard topics (to avoid doing more harm than good). I find one of my favorite verses to profess and pray for myself is Psalm 141:3, “Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Praying the scriptures above and following Biblical communication guidelines are invaluable. I have found that when I encounter a controversial topic, a lot of times I feel more led to stay silent, listen, and ask questions with empathy than to give my opinion or any kind of correction (or at the very least to do those things first before speaking up).
Here are a couple of other posts that you might find helpful with your question: Empathy…the filter we all need, Are you creating unity or division?, Talk less, listen more, Make others feel taller not smaller, Promote unity, The power of restraint, Be kind and gentle to gain respect, Keep Mouth Shut, Put on your kindness hat, and How to respond to comments, especially in touchy situations. I hope these are helpful!