Address the person with honor and speak a blessing over them

Use polished words mainly so the person will think well of you

Drop the honorifics so your speech feels more personal and real

Avoid speaking altogether whenever the other person has more power

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, you are the true King above every king. I admit my sin and the ways I have spoken and lived apart from you. I turn from my sin and ask for your mercy. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I confess you as Lord and open my life to you. Forgive me, lead me, and make me yours. Amen.

Come to the True King

Father, revive your Church to speak to earthly powers with courage and honor. Where we have mocked, postured, or feared, cleanse us; where we have blessed, strengthen us; and where we have stayed silent, give us wise words that point to your rule, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Revive Honor and Boldness in Your Church

Thank God that no earthly ruler is ultimate. Thank him for teaching you to answer with honor rather than contempt. Thank him for the grace to bless people in authority instead of shrinking into fear or flattery.

Thank God for His Rule Over Kings

Name the person or office before God, ask him to calm your speech, and ask for words that honor the person while staying true. Then speak with a blessing on your lips rather than irritation.

Pray Before You Answer Authority

Pray for leaders and officials to receive life, wisdom, and a heart that welcomes truth. Pray also that God's people would answer them with courage, courtesy, and goodwill.

Life and Wisdom for Leaders

Father, teach me to speak with honor when I am tempted to be sharp, dismissive, or afraid. Give me self-control, a blessing on my lips, and a humble heart before the people you place over me, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

A Respectful Tongue

עֲנוֹ֙{a-NO###ah-NOH###they answered} וְאָ֣מְרִ֔ין{ve-om-RIN###veh-ohm-REEN###said} לִנְבוּכַדְנֶצַּ֖ר{lin-ve-khad-NE-tsar###lihn-veh-khuhd-NEH-tsahr###to Nebuchadnezzar} מַלְכָּ֑א{mal-KA###mahl-KAA###the king} מַלְכָּ֖א{mal-KA###mahl-KAA###O king} לְעָלְמִ֥ין{le-al-MIN###leh-ahl-MEEN###forever} חֱיִֽי׃{khe-YI###kheh-YEE###live}

Daniel 3:9 — FormalTAB

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