What other biblical examples show the importance of speaking wisely in challenging situations?

A Moment to Speak: Paul in Acts 21:37

• “As the soldiers were about to bring Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, ‘May I say something to you?’ ” (Acts 21:37)

• Surrounded by an angry mob, Paul begins with a respectful question instead of a heated defense.

• His calm, measured approach opens the door for a lengthy witness (Acts 22).

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Old Testament Portraits of Wise Words

• Joseph before Pharaoh – Genesis 41:16

– “I cannot do it… but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”

– Joseph credits God, gains Pharaoh’s trust, and secures deliverance for Israel.

• Abigail before David – 1 Samuel 25:32-33

– David blesses Abigail for her “discretion,” averting bloodshed.

• Nathan before David – 2 Samuel 12:7, 13

– Uses a parable to confront sin; David repents instead of retaliating.

• Esther before Xerxes – Esther 7:3-4

– Carefully timed plea saves an entire nation.

• Daniel before Nebuchadnezzar – Daniel 2:27-28; 4:27

– Speaks truth with humility and earns royal favor.

• Proverbs’ counsel

– “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1).

– “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold” (Proverbs 25:11).

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Christ’s Perfect Example

• Silence before Herod – Luke 23:9

– Refusal to answer meaningless accusations models restraint.

• Questioning Pilate – John 18:34-37

– Turns interrogation into proclamation of truth.

• Handling traps – Luke 20:3-4

– Meets hostility with a probing question that exposes motives.

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Wisdom in the Early Church

• Peter and John before the Sanhedrin – Acts 4:19-20

– Respectful yet unbending: “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

• Stephen – Acts 6:10

– Opponents “could not stand up to the wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.”

• Paul before Felix – Acts 24:25

– Reasoning “about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment,” moving the governor to fear.

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Key Principles to Carry Forward

• Start with respect (Acts 21:37; 1 Peter 3:15).

• Point to God as the source of wisdom (Genesis 41:16; Daniel 2:27-28).

• Choose timing carefully (Esther 5-7; Proverbs 15:23).

• Use questions to reveal truth (Luke 20:3-4; Acts 22:1).

• Maintain gentleness and clarity (Proverbs 15:1; Colossians 4:6).

• Trust the Spirit for boldness and recall (Luke 12:11-12).