Answer-saying, a term not explicitly found in the Bible, refers to the act of responding or giving a reply, often in a manner that reflects wisdom, understanding, or divine insight. This concept is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, where the importance of how one answers is frequently highlighted. The Bible provides numerous examples and instructions regarding the nature and significance of answer-saying, emphasizing the need for truthfulness, wisdom, and grace in our responses.

Biblical Foundations

The act of answering is integral to human interaction and communication, and the Bible offers guidance on how to do so in a manner that honors God. Proverbs 15:1 states, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." This verse underscores the power of a well-considered response to diffuse tension and promote peace. The wisdom literature of the Old Testament often contrasts the speech of the wise with that of the foolish, highlighting the value of thoughtful and measured answers.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies perfect answer-saying. His responses to questions and challenges were marked by authority, insight, and compassion. For instance, when questioned about paying taxes to Caesar, Jesus replied, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s" (Matthew 22:21). This answer not only addressed the immediate question but also conveyed a deeper spiritual truth.

Principles of Answer-Saying

1. Truthfulness: Answer-saying in the biblical context is rooted in truth. Ephesians 4:25 instructs believers, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body." Truthful answers build trust and reflect the character of God, who is the ultimate source of truth.

2. Wisdom and Discernment: The Bible encourages seeking wisdom in our responses. James 1:5 promises, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." Wisdom enables believers to provide answers that are not only correct but also appropriate for the situation.

3. Grace and Kindness: Colossians 4:6 advises, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Gracious answers reflect the love and kindness of Christ, making them effective in edifying others and fostering positive relationships.

4. Preparedness: Believers are called to be ready to answer questions about their faith. 1 Peter 3:15 states, "But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you, but respond with gentleness and respect." This readiness involves both a deep understanding of one's faith and the ability to communicate it effectively.

Examples in Scripture

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of individuals who demonstrated exemplary answer-saying. Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, provided insightful judgments and answers, as seen in the case of the two women claiming to be the mother of a child (1 Kings 3:16-28). His ability to discern the truth and provide a wise answer solidified his reputation as a wise king.

The Apostle Paul also exemplified answer-saying in his ministry. In Acts 17:22-31 , Paul addresses the Athenians at the Areopagus, skillfully using their cultural context to introduce the gospel. His answer was both respectful and profound, demonstrating his ability to connect with diverse audiences.

Conclusion

Answer-saying, while not a term explicitly used in Scripture, is a vital aspect of biblical teaching on communication. The Bible provides clear principles and examples that guide believers in offering responses that are truthful, wise, gracious, and prepared. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christians are equipped to answer in ways that reflect the character of Christ and advance His kingdom.

The Judgment Scene.
... a stranger, and ye took me not in; naked, and ye clothed me not; sick, and in prison,
and ye visited me not.' Then shall they also answer, saying, 'Lord, when ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the judgment scene.htm

Standing with the People
... Then shall they also answer, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, or athirst,
or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter iii standing with the.htm

Conclusion of Our Lord's Discourse. Parables of virgins and ...
... a stranger, and ye took me not in; naked, and ye clothed me not; sick, and in prison,
and ye visited me not.44 Then shall they also answer, saying, Lord, when ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxv conclusion of our lords.htm

Epistle Lxv. To Mauricius Augustus .
... To this, behold, Christ through me the last of His servants and of yours will answer,
saying; From a notary I made thee a Count of the bodyguard; from Count of ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle lxv to mauricius augustus.htm

The Opposing Passages.
... And yet the passages are true which he goes on to adduce by way of answer, saying:
"The Saviour in the gospel declares, Blessed are the pure in heart; for they ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter xv 34 the opposing passages.htm

John Chapter xii. 27-36
... But methinks I hear in my own thoughts the Lord giving me an answer, saying, Thou
shalt follow me the better, because it is to aid thy power of endurance that ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lii john chapter xii.htm

Matt. viii. 14
... Thus to him again that said, "Good Master," and had thought by such flattery to
gain His favor, according to his purpose He made answer, saying, "Why callest ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxvii matt viii 14.htm

Tuesday --The Day of Controversy.
... a stranger, and ye took me not in; naked, and ye clothed me not; sick, and in prison,
and ye visited me not.' Then shall they also answer, saying, 'Lord, when ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his last week/tuesdaythe day of controversy.htm

The Parable of the Householder. A Sermon, by Bishop Latimer.
... The disciples hearing this, said, "Who then can be saved?" He made them answer,
saying, "God is almighty, and that which is impossible to men, is possible with ...
/.../the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /the parable of the householder.htm

On the Words Incarnate, and Made Man.
... And the Prophet again makes answer, saying: And His feet shall stand in that day
upon the Mount of Olives which is before Jerusalem on the east [1389] . ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xii on the words.htm

Answer-saying (1 Occurrence)
Answer-saying. Answers, Answer-saying. Ant . Multi-Version
Concordance Answer-saying (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 44:20 ...
/a/answer-saying.htm - 6k

Ant (1 Occurrence)

/a/ant.htm - 8k

Answers (42 Occurrences)

/a/answers.htm - 17k

Needing (9 Occurrences)
... Matthew 25:44 Then will they make answer, saying, Lord, when did we see you in need
of food or drink, or wandering, or without clothing, or ill, or in prison ...
/n/needing.htm - 9k

Undo (9 Occurrences)
... Luke 3:16 John made answer, saying to them all, Truly, I give you baptism with water,
but one is coming who is greater than I, whose shoes I am not good enough ...
/u/undo.htm - 9k

Wandering (120 Occurrences)
... Matthew 25:44 Then will they make answer, saying, Lord, when did we see you in need
of food or drink, or wandering, or without clothing, or ill, or in prison ...
/w/wandering.htm - 37k

Greater (219 Occurrences)
... Luke 3:16 John made answer, saying to them all, Truly, I give you baptism with water,
but one is coming who is greater than I, whose shoes I am not good enough ...
/g/greater.htm - 36k

Traders (31 Occurrences)
... Matthew 25:9 But the wise made answer, saying, There may not be enough for us and
you; it would be better for you to go to the traders and get oil for ...
/t/traders.htm - 15k

Thirsty (38 Occurrences)
... Matthew 25:44 "Then they will also answer, saying,'Lord, when did we see you hungry,
or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and didn't ...
/t/thirsty.htm - 18k

Thirsting (7 Occurrences)
... Matthew 25:44 Then shall they also answersaying, Lord, when saw we thee hungering,
or thirsting, or a stranger, or naked, or ill, or in prison, and have not ...
/t/thirsting.htm - 8k

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