100 Bible Verses about Public Speaking

Jeremiah 1:4-10 ESV / 169 helpful votes

Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.” ...

Colossians 4:6 ESV / 149 helpful votes

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Exodus 4:12 ESV / 121 helpful votes

Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.”

Luke 12:11-12 ESV / 117 helpful votes

And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

1 Corinthians 14:9 ESV / 62 helpful votes

So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air.

Exodus 4:11 ESV / 43 helpful votes

Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?

Jeremiah 1:8 ESV / 41 helpful votes

Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.”

Ephesians 6:19-20 ESV / 37 helpful votes

And also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

John 1:19-23 ESV / 32 helpful votes

And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

Ephesians 4:29 ESV / 31 helpful votes

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Isaiah 41:10 ESV / 28 helpful votes

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Proverbs 13:3 ESV / 23 helpful votes

Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

2 Timothy 1:7 ESV / 22 helpful votes

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Psalm 19:14 ESV / 22 helpful votes

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Isaiah 12:4 ESV / 21 helpful votes

And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted.

Psalm 141:3 ESV / 21 helpful votes

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 ESV / 20 helpful votes

And my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Jeremiah 1:10 ESV / 20 helpful votes

See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”

James 1:19 ESV / 17 helpful votes

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

Joshua 1:9 ESV / 17 helpful votes

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Matthew 5:16 ESV / 15 helpful votes

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Ecclesiastes 10:12 ESV / 15 helpful votes

The words of a wise man's mouth win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him.

1 Chronicles 16:8 ESV / 15 helpful votes

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!

Ecclesiastes 3:7 ESV / 14 helpful votes

A time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

Proverbs 15:4 ESV / 14 helpful votes

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

Psalm 105:1 ESV / 14 helpful votes

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!

James 3:2 ESV / 13 helpful votes

For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.

Ephesians 4:31 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

John 14:27 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

1 Peter 3:9 ESV / 11 helpful votes

Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

1 Peter 2:12 ESV / 11 helpful votes

Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Titus 3:2 ESV / 11 helpful votes

To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

Galatians 2:20 ESV / 11 helpful votes

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

2 Corinthians 11:6 ESV / 11 helpful votes

Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.

Proverbs 15:23 ESV / 11 helpful votes

To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!

James 1:26 ESV / 10 helpful votes

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

Ephesians 5:4 ESV / 10 helpful votes

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.

2 Corinthians 10:10 ESV / 10 helpful votes

For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.”

Exodus 6:12 ESV / 10 helpful votes

But Moses said to the Lord, “Behold, the people of Israel have not listened to me. How then shall Pharaoh listen to me, for I am of uncircumcised lips?”

Acts 5:42 ESV / 9 helpful votes

And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.

Matthew 18:15 ESV / 9 helpful votes

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.

Matthew 12:36 ESV / 9 helpful votes

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,

Proverbs 18:21 ESV / 9 helpful votes

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Proverbs 17:28 ESV / 9 helpful votes

Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

Psalm 34:4 ESV / 9 helpful votes

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 23:4 ESV / 9 helpful votes

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Exodus 4:10 ESV / 9 helpful votes

But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.”

Matthew 6:7 ESV / 8 helpful votes

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.

Zechariah 8:16 ESV / 8 helpful votes

These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace;

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV / 8 helpful votes

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Proverbs 15:26 ESV / 8 helpful votes

The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but gracious words are pure.

Proverbs 15:1 ESV / 8 helpful votes

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Hebrews 4:16 ESV / 7 helpful votes

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Philippians 4:13 ESV / 7 helpful votes

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:6 ESV / 7 helpful votes

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Romans 8:26 ESV / 7 helpful votes

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

Proverbs 18:13 ESV / 7 helpful votes

If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

Exodus 4:1-6:30 ESV / 7 helpful votes

Then Moses answered, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.’” The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.” And he said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it. But the Lord said to Moses, “Put out your hand and catch it by the tail”—so he put out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand— “that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.” ...

1 John 1:9 ESV / 6 helpful votes

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 Peter 2:1 ESV / 6 helpful votes

So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.

Acts 18:9 ESV / 6 helpful votes

And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent,

Acts 2:1-47 ESV / 6 helpful votes

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. ...

Proverbs 10:19 ESV / 6 helpful votes

When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

Psalm 100:1 ESV / 6 helpful votes

A Psalm for giving thanks. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!

Revelation 1:1 ESV / 5 helpful votes

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,

1 Peter 4:4 ESV / 5 helpful votes

With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you;

Ephesians 6:17 ESV / 5 helpful votes

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

1 Corinthians 1:1-31 ESV / 5 helpful votes

Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— ...

Romans 8:31 ESV / 5 helpful votes

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 1:16 ESV / 5 helpful votes

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

John 1:21 ESV / 5 helpful votes

And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”

Luke 5:1-39 ESV / 5 helpful votes

On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” ...

Luke 1:37 ESV / 5 helpful votes

For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Matthew 22:39 ESV / 5 helpful votes

And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Matthew 5:11 ESV / 5 helpful votes

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

Proverbs 29:11 ESV / 5 helpful votes

A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

Proverbs 21:23 ESV / 5 helpful votes

Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Proverbs 20:19 ESV / 5 helpful votes

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.

Proverbs 15:28 ESV / 5 helpful votes

The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

Psalm 68:1-69:36 ESV / 5 helpful votes

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. A Song. God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered; and those who hate him shall flee before him! As smoke is driven away, so you shall drive them away; as wax melts before fire, so the wicked shall perish before God! But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy! Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts; his name is the Lord; exult before him! Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. ...

Exodus 6:10-13 ESV / 5 helpful votes

So the Lord said to Moses, “Go in, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the people of Israel go out of his land.” But Moses said to the Lord, “Behold, the people of Israel have not listened to me. How then shall Pharaoh listen to me, for I am of uncircumcised lips?” But the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron and gave them a charge about the people of Israel and about Pharaoh king of Egypt: to bring the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt.

1 Peter 3:1 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,

James 4:6 ESV / 4 helpful votes

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

James 3:5 ESV / 4 helpful votes

So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!

Hebrews 11:6 ESV / 4 helpful votes

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Colossians 4:1-18 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. ...

Colossians 3:17 ESV / 4 helpful votes

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Ephesians 5:19 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,

1 Corinthians 15:11 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

Romans 10:9-10 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

John 3:16 ESV / 4 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Mark 4:1 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Again he began to teach beside the sea. And a very large crowd gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat in it on the sea, and the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land.

Jeremiah 1:6 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.”

Isaiah 51:16 ESV / 4 helpful votes

And I have put my words in your mouth and covered you in the shadow of my hand, establishing the heavens and laying the foundations of the earth, and saying to Zion, ‘You are my people.’”

Proverbs 16:24 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Exodus 13:17-22 ESV / 4 helpful votes

When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.” But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle. Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones with you from here.” And they moved on from Succoth and encamped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness. And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. ...

1 Corinthians 11:3 ESV / 3 helpful votes

But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.

Acts 2:38 ESV / 3 helpful votes

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Proverbs 15:1-33 ESV / 3 helpful votes

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. A fool despises his father's instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent. ...

Exodus 11:1-12:36 ESV / 3 helpful votes

The Lord said to Moses, “Yet one plague more I will bring upon Pharaoh and upon Egypt. Afterward he will let you go from here. When he lets you go, he will drive you away completely. Speak now in the hearing of the people, that they ask, every man of his neighbor and every woman of her neighbor, for silver and gold jewelry.” And the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants and in the sight of the people. So Moses said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘About midnight I will go out in the midst of Egypt, and every firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the handmill, and all the firstborn of the cattle. ...

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