A Biblical Foundation for Communication: How We Should Speak & Write

A Biblical Foundation for Communication:
How We Should Speak & Write
by Virginia Knowles


Careful, Knowledgeable, Purposeful, and Useful


Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth. (Ecclesiastes 12:9-10)

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)


Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. (Prov. 20:15)


Honest, Accurate, Understandable, and Orderly

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ… Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. (Ephesians 4:15 & 25)

For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. (2 Corinthians 1:13)


Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:3-4)


But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.” (Acts 25:25)


Pleasant, Encouraging, and Ready for the Situation

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24)

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (1 Peter 3:15b-16)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)


The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. (Prov.16:21)

Bold, Gospel-Centered, and Spirit-Filled

This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. (1 Corinthians 2:13)


Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20)


Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (Acts 4:29-31)