Proverbs 16:23 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
²³ The heart of a wise person instructs his mouth,
and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

As we are teaching others about the Word of God, our goal is to shine a light not only their minds but also their hearts. (Eph. 1:18) Therefore, as a Christian apologetic evangelist, we are to do more than simply convey biblical information. Proverbs 16:23 says: “The heart of a wise person instructs his mouth, and adds persuasiveness to his lips.”

16:23. A wise teacher chooses his words carefully. His wise mind guides his mouth, literally, “causes his mouth to be prudent.” As a result, his words will help and heal, not hurt. Listening to such a person makes you want to learn.[1]

The apostle Paul undoubtedly applied this principle in his teaching work. When he was in Corinth, “he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.” (Acts 18:4) According to The Complete Word Study Dictionary, the Greek word here rendered “persuade” means “Generally, to persuade another to receive a belief, meaning to convince, and in this sense used mostly with the acc. of person (Acts 14:19; 18:4, “he . . . persuaded the Jews,” meaning he sought to convince them; 2 Cor. 5:11). With the duplicate acc. of person and thing (Acts 28:23, “persuading them concerning [the truth about] Jesus”). With the acc[usative]. of person being implied (Acts 19:8). Used in an absolute sense to persuade of alleged error (Acts 19:26). Followed by the acc[usative]. of person with the inf[initive]. meaning to persuade to do something, to induce (Acts 13:43; 26:28).”^[2] By means of his convincing arguments, Paul was able to move his listeners to change their very way of thinking. His ability to persuade was so powerful that his enemies feared him.

Acts 19:24-27 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

²⁴ Now a certain Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, an eloquent man, arrived in Ephesus; and he was well versed in the Scriptures. ²⁵ This man had been orally instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; ²⁶ and this man began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. ²⁷ And when he wanted to go across to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him; and when he had arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace, ²⁸ for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

We must keep in mind that, while we cannot deny that Paul’s teaching was a display of human ability (remember from whom we got our human abilities), it was also a product of the Holy Spirit and God’s power. He told the Corinthians, “and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.” (1 Cor. 2:4, 5) Because all genuine Christians have access to the Holy Spirit and the power of God, as well as their own God-given abilities, all of them have the potential to become persuasive teachers.

The Biblical Principle of Wisdom in Speech

The ability to communicate the gospel effectively is greatly enhanced by wisdom. Proverbs 16:23 states, “The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.” This verse underscores the importance of having a heart cultivated by divine wisdom, which then manifests in speech that is not only persuasive but also grounded in truth and love.

Cultivating a Wise Heart

A wise heart is developed through a deep and ongoing relationship with Jehovah, who is the source of all wisdom. The Book of James advises, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5). Regular prayer, meditation on the Scriptures, and reflection on the character of Christ are essential practices for anyone seeking to grow in wisdom.

The Impact of Wisdom on Apologetic Engagement

Wisdom affects apologetic engagement by guiding the evangelist in what to say and how to say it. This is particularly important in sensitive or challenging evangelistic encounters. Jesus exemplified this when He responded to the Pharisees’ attempts to trap Him in His words. His answers consistently revealed deep wisdom, confounding His opponents and demonstrating His authority (Matthew 22:15-22). Similarly, apologetics requires the ability to respond to objections not just with knowledge, but with insight that reaches hearts and minds.

Persuasiveness Rooted in Understanding

Persuasiveness in evangelism is not about manipulation or coercion; it is about presenting the truth in a manner that is clear and compelling. This involves understanding the listener’s perspective, including their doubts and objections. Proverbs 18:2 warns, “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” Unlike the fool, the wise evangelist seeks first to understand then to be understood, making his or her arguments more effective and respectful.

Practical Wisdom in Apologetics

Practical wisdom in apologetics involves several key elements:

• Adapting the Message: Knowing how to tailor the gospel presentation to different audiences without compromising the message’s integrity. Paul’s method of becoming “all things to all people” (1 Corinthians 9:22) reflects this aspect of wisdom.
• Timing: Recognizing the right moment to speak and when to remain silent. Ecclesiastes 3:7 reminds us there is “a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.”
• Respectful Engagement: Approaching discussions with gentleness and respect, following Peter’s instruction in 1 Peter 3:15, to provide a reason for the hope within us “with gentleness and respect,” ensuring our approach invites dialogue rather than confrontation.

Wisdom’s Role in Overcoming Barriers

Wisdom plays a crucial role in overcoming the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual barriers that people often have towards the gospel. By understanding these barriers and addressing them wisely, an evangelist can create opportunities for the Holy Spirit to work in the listener’s heart. Wisdom also aids in discerning when opposition is rooted in misunderstanding, hurt, or spiritual blindness, allowing for more targeted and effective ministry.

Conclusion

In Christian apologetic evangelism, the persuasiveness of our lips is significantly enhanced by the wisdom of our hearts. As we seek wisdom from Jehovah and strive to apply it in our interactions, our ability to communicate the gospel effectively grows. This not only helps in making the truth of Christianity appealing and understandable but also aligns our efforts with the biblical model of speaking truth in love.

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