Definition and Nature
Persuasiveness is the ability to convince others to believe or do something through reasoning or the appeal to emotions. In the biblical context, it is often associated with the power of speech and the influence of one's character and actions. Persuasiveness can be a gift used for good, aligning with God's purposes, or it can be misused for deceitful ends.

Biblical Examples and Teachings
The Bible provides numerous examples of persuasiveness, both positive and negative. One of the most notable figures known for his persuasive speech is the Apostle Paul. In Acts 17:2-4 , Paul is described as reasoning with the Jews in the synagogue, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. His persuasive arguments led many to faith: "Some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few leading women."

Another example is found in the Old Testament with King Solomon, who was renowned for his wisdom and ability to persuade others. In 1 Kings 3:28 , it is noted that "all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice."

However, the Bible also warns against the misuse of persuasiveness. Proverbs 7:21 speaks of the seductive power of persuasive words used for immoral purposes: "With her great persuasion she entices him; with her flattering lips she lures him." This serves as a caution against being swayed by smooth talk that leads away from righteousness.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
In the New Testament, the role of the Holy Spirit is emphasized in empowering believers to be persuasive in their witness for Christ. Acts 1:8 states, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The Holy Spirit equips believers with the boldness and wisdom needed to effectively communicate the Gospel.

Guidelines for Godly Persuasiveness
The Bible provides guidance on how to use persuasiveness in a manner that honors God. Colossians 4:6 advises, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." This suggests that persuasiveness should be marked by grace and truth, aiming to edify and build up others.

Furthermore, 2 Timothy 2:24-25 instructs, "And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth." This passage highlights the importance of gentleness and patience in persuasion, trusting in God's work in the hearts of others.

Warnings Against Deceptive Persuasiveness
The Bible warns against those who use persuasiveness for deceitful purposes. Romans 16:18 cautions, "For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the hearts of the naive." Believers are encouraged to be discerning and to test the spirits, as stated in 1 John 4:1 : "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."

Conclusion
While persuasiveness is a powerful tool, it must be wielded with integrity and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The ultimate goal of godly persuasiveness is to lead others to the truth of the Gospel and to glorify God through our words and actions.3948. leqach -- a learning, teaching
... Word Origin from laqach Definition a learning, teaching NASB Word Usage instruction
(1), learning (2), persuasions (1), persuasiveness (2), teaching (3). ...
/hebrew/3948.htm - 6k

In Every Style the Orator Should Aim at Perspicuity, Beauty, and ...
... Book IV. Chapter 26."In Every Style the Orator Should Aim at Perspicuity,
Beauty, and Persuasiveness. 55. Now in regard to the ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 26 in every style the.htm

Colossians i. 26-28
... hid," that He alone knoweth. Ver.4. "This I say, that no one may delude you
with persuasiveness of speech.". Seest thou that he saith ...
/.../homily v colossians i 26-28.htm

History of Public Speaking
... hearers. He was of a deeply affectionate nature, hence his style was that
of tender persuasiveness rather than of declamation. He ...
/.../kleiser/successful methods of public speaking/history of public speaking.htm

Christ, the Great Teacher
... With Persuasiveness and Love (Matthew 11:28-30; 19:13,14; John 3:17; Luke
9:56)."People of all classes gathered about Him, in the marketplaces, in the fields ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study i christ the great.htm

Galilee
... If the mythology of Greece appeared to sanction an infinite number of gods and
goddesses, her philosophers taught with equal persuasiveness that the divine ...
/.../lake/landmarks in the history of early christianity/i galilee.htm

Moody -- what Think Ye of Christ?
... In sheer persuasiveness Mr. Moody has few equals, and rugged as his preaching may
seem to some, there is in it a pathos of a quality which few orators have ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 8/moody what think ye.htm

The Arts by which Origen Studies to Keep Gregory and his Brother ...
... arrow from the very first occasion of our hearing him [201] (for he was possessed
of a rare combination of a certain sweet grace and persuasiveness, along with ...
/.../the oration and panegyric addressed to origen/argument vi the arts by which.htm

The Wonderful Skill with which Origen Prepares Gregory and ...
... like so many unbroken steeds, and springing out of the course and galloping madly
about at random, until with a strange kind of persuasiveness and constraint ...
/.../argument vii the wonderful skill with.htm

Judas Iscariot
... The theory is of German origin; but it was presented to the English public by De
Quincey, who adorned it with all the persuasiveness of his meretricious genius ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter ix judas iscariot.htm

Translated from the Greek.
... 2814] we have no difficulty in saying that the result is beyond any human power,
[2815] Jesus having taught with all authority and persuasiveness that His word ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translated from the greek.htm

Persuasiveness (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Persuasiveness (3 Occurrences). Colossians 2:4 Now this
I say that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech. (WEB ASV). ...
/p/persuasiveness.htm - 7k

Speech (107 Occurrences)
... matters" (1 Samuel 16:18, margin "bussiness"), "communication" (Matthew 5:37 Ephesians
4:29), "words" (Luke 20:20 1 Corinthians 14:9); "persuasiveness of speech ...
/s/speech.htm - 36k

Pertain (9 Occurrences)

/p/pertain.htm - 9k

Delude (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Delude (2 Occurrences). Colossians 2:4 Now this I say
that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech. (WEB ASV DBY NAS RSV). ...
/d/delude.htm - 7k

Persuasive (4 Occurrences)
... WEY). Colossians 2:4 Now this I say that no one may delude you with
persuasiveness of speech. (Root in WEB ASV DBY NAS). Proverbs ...
/p/persuasive.htm - 7k

Persuasively (1 Occurrence)

/p/persuasively.htm - 6k

Persuasion (2 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) The power or quality of persuading; persuasiveness. 5. (n.) That which
persuades; a persuasive. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PERSUADE; PERSUASION. ...
/p/persuasion.htm - 9k

Argument (45 Occurrences)
... is living? (BBE). Colossians 2:4 Now this I say that no one may delude you
with persuasiveness of speech. (See NAS NIV). 1 Timothy ...
/a/argument.htm - 19k

Arguments (29 Occurrences)
... Philippians 2:14 Do all things without protests and arguments; (BBE). Colossians
2:4 Now this I say that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech. ...
/a/arguments.htm - 14k

Sounding (99 Occurrences)
... be changed. (WEY). Colossians 2:4 Now this I say that no one may delude you
with persuasiveness of speech. (See NIV). 1 Thessalonians ...
/s/sounding.htm - 37k

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