WHEN you speak to others about God’s purposes, whether privately or from the platform, your discussion should center on what is in God’s Word. This usually involves reading scriptures from the Bible, which ought to be done well.

Proper Emphasis Involves Feeling. Scriptures should be read with feeling. Consider some examples. When you read Psalm 37:11 aloud, your voice should convey happy anticipation of the peace that is promised there. When you read Revelation 21:4 regarding the end of suffering and death, your voice should reflect warm appreciation for the marvelous relief that is being foretold. Revelation 18:2, 4, 5, with its appeal to get out of sin-laden “Babylon the Great,” ought to be read with a tone of urgency. Of course, the feeling expressed should be heartfelt but not overdone. The proper amount of emotion is determined by the text itself and by the way it is being used.

Emphasize the Right Words. If your comments on a certain verse are built around just a portion of it, you should highlight that portion when reading the text. For example, when reading Matthew 6:33, you would not give primary stress to “his righteousness” or to “all these other things” if you intend to analyze what is meant by “seeking first the kingdom.”

In a talk on the Service Meeting, you may plan to read Matthew 28:19. What words should you emphasize? If you want to encourage diligence in starting home Bible studies, stress “make disciples.” On the other hand, if you plan to discuss the Christian’s responsibility to share Bible truth with an immigrant population or you want to encourage certain publishers to serve where the need is greater, you might stress “people of all the nations.”

Frequently, a scripture is presented in answer to a question or in support of an argument that others view as controversial. If every thought expressed in the text is emphasized equally, your audience may fail to see the connection. The point may be obvious to you but not to them.

For example, when reading Psalm 83:18 from a Bible that contains the divine name, if you put all the emphasis on the expression “the Most High,” a householder may fail to grasp the seemingly obvious fact that God has a personal name. You should stress the name “Jehovah.” However, when you are using that same scripture in a discussion of Jehovah’s sovereignty, you should give primary emphasis to the expression “the Most High.” Likewise, when using James 2:24 to show the importance of coupling faith with action, giving primary emphasis to “declared righteous” instead of to “works” might cause some who hear you to miss the point.

Another helpful example can be found at Romans 15:7-13. This is part of a letter written by the apostle Paul to a congregation made up of both Gentiles and natural Jews. Here the apostle argues that the ministry of Christ benefits not only circumcised Jews but also people of the nations so that “the nations might glorify God for his mercy.” Then Paul quotes four scriptures, drawing attention to that opportunity for the nations. How should you read those quotations in order to emphasize the point that Paul had in mind? If you are marking expressions to stress, you might highlight “the nations” in verse 9, “you nations” in verse 10, “all you nations” and “all the peoples” in verse 11, and “nations” in verse 12. Try reading Romans 15:7-13 with that emphasis. As you do so, Paul’s entire line of argument will become clearer and easier to grasp.

Methods of Emphasis. The thought-carrying words that you want to stand out may be stressed in a number of ways. The means that you use should be in keeping with the scripture and the setting of the talk. A few suggestions are offered here.

Voice stress. This involves any change in voice that makes the thought-carrying words stand out from the rest of the sentence. The emphasis may be achieved by a change in volume​—either by increasing it or by decreasing it. In many languages, a change in pitch adds emphasis. In some languages, however, that may change the meaning altogether. When a slower pace is used for key expressions, this adds weight to them. In languages that do not permit voice stress as a means of emphasizing certain words, it will be necessary to do whatever is customary in that language in order to obtain the desired results.

Pausing. This may be done before or after reading the key portion of a scripture​—or both. Pausing immediately before you read a main thought creates anticipation; pausing afterward deepens the impression made. However, if there are too many pauses, nothing will stand out.

Repetition. You can place emphasis on a particular point by interrupting yourself and rereading the word or phrase. A method that is often preferable is to complete the text and then repeat the key expression.

Gestures. Body movement as well as facial expression can often add emotion to a word or a phrase.

Tone of voice. In some languages, words may at times be read in a tone that influences their meaning and sets them apart. Here, too, discretion should be exercised, especially in using sarcasm.

When Others Read Texts. When a householder reads a scripture, he may stress the wrong words or none at all. What can you do then? Generally it is best to make the meaning clear by your application of the texts. After making the application, you might focus special attention directly on the thought-carrying words in the Bible.

WHEN teaching others, more is required than merely reading verses from the Bible. The apostle Paul wrote to his associate Timothy: “Do your utmost to present yourself approved to God, a workman with nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright.”​—2 Tim. 2:15.

To do this means that our explanation of scriptures must be consistent with what the Bible itself teaches. This requires that we take into account the context, instead of simply selecting expressions that appeal to us and adding our own ideas. Through the prophet Jeremiah, Jehovah warned against those prophets who professed to speak from the mouth of Jehovah but who actually presented “the vision of their own heart.” (Jer. 23:16) The apostle Paul warned Christians against contaminating God’s Word with human philosophies when he wrote: “We have renounced the underhanded things of which to be ashamed, not walking with cunning, neither adulterating the word of God.” In those days dishonest wine merchants would dilute their wine to make it go further and to bring in more money. We do not adulterate the Word of God by mixing it with human philosophies. “We are not peddlers of the word of God as many men are,” Paul declared, “but as out of sincerity, yes, as sent from God, under God’s view, in company with Christ, we are speaking.”​—2 Cor. 2:17; 4:2.

At times, you may quote a scripture to highlight a principle. The Bible is filled with principles that provide sound guidance in dealing with a wide variety of situations. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17) But you should make sure that your application is accurate and that you are not misusing a scripture, making it appear to say what you want it to say. (Ps. 91:11, 12; Matt. 4:5, 6) The application must be in harmony with Jehovah’s purpose, consistent with the entire Word of God.

“Handling the word of the truth aright” also includes getting the spirit of what the Bible says. It is not a “club” with which to browbeat others. Religious teachers who opposed Jesus Christ quoted from the Scriptures, but they were shutting their eyes to the weightier matters​—those involving justice and mercy and faithfulness—​which are required by God. (Matt. 22:23, 24; 23:23, 24) When teaching God’s Word, Jesus reflected his Father’s personality. Jesus’ zeal for the truth was coupled with his deep love for the people he taught. We should endeavor to follow his example.​—Matt. 11:28.

How can we be sure that we are making proper application of a scripture? Regular Bible reading will help. We also need to appreciate Jehovah’s provision of “the faithful and discreet slave,” the body of spirit-anointed Christians through whom he provides spiritual food for the household of faith. (Matt. 24:45) Personal study as well as regular attendance at and participation in congregation meetings will help us to benefit from the instruction provided through that faithful and discreet slave class.

If the book Reasoning From the Scriptures is available in your language and you learn to use it well, you will have at your fingertips the guidance that you need for correct application of hundreds of scriptures that are frequently used in our ministry. If you are planning to use an unfamiliar scripture, modesty will move you to do needed research so that when you speak, you will be handling the word of the truth aright.​—Prov. 11:2.

Make the Application Clear. When teaching others, make sure that they clearly see the connection between the subject that you are discussing and the scriptures that you use. If you lead up to the scripture with a question, your listeners should see how the scripture answers that question. If you are using the scripture in support of some statement, be sure that the student clearly sees how the text proves the point.

Just reading the scripture​—even with emphasis—​is usually not enough. Remember, the average person is unfamiliar with the Bible and will probably not grasp your point with just one reading. Draw attention to the portion of the text that directly applies to what you are discussing.

This usually requires that you isolate key words, those that have a direct bearing on the point being discussed. The simplest method is to restate those thought-carrying words. If you are talking to an individual, you might ask questions that will help him to identify the key words. When talking to a group, some speakers prefer to achieve their objective by using synonyms or by restating the idea. However, if you choose to do this, exercise care that the audience does not lose sight of the connection between the point of discussion and the wording in the scripture.

Having isolated the key words, you have laid a good foundation. Now follow through. Did you introduce the scripture with a clear indication as to your reason for using the text? If so, point out how the words that you have highlighted relate to what you led your audience to expect. State clearly what that connection is. Even if you did not use such an explicit introduction to the text, there ought to be some follow-through.

The Pharisees asked Jesus what they thought was a difficult question, namely: “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife on every sort of ground?” Jesus based his reply on Genesis 2:24. Notice that he focused attention on just one part of it, and then he made the needed application. Having pointed out that the man and his wife become “one flesh,” Jesus concluded: “Therefore, what God has yoked together let no man put apart.”​—Matt. 19:3-6.

How much explanation should you give in order to make the application of a scripture clear? The makeup of your audience and the importance of the point being discussed should determine that. Let simplicity and directness be your aim.

Reason From the Scriptures. Regarding the apostle Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica, Acts 17:2, 3 tells us that he ‘reasoned from the Scriptures.’ This is an ability that every servant of Jehovah should try to cultivate. For example, Paul related facts regarding the life and ministry of Jesus, showed that these had been foretold in the Hebrew Scriptures, and then gave a forceful conclusion by saying: “This is the Christ, this Jesus whom I am publishing to you.”

When writing to the Hebrews, Paul repeatedly quoted from the Hebrew Scriptures. To emphasize or clarify a point, he often isolated one word or a short phrase and then showed its significance. (Heb. 12:26, 27) In the account found in Hebrews chapter 3, Paul quoted from Psalm 95:7-11. Notice that he then enlarged on three portions of it: (1) the reference to the heart (Heb. 3:8-12), (2) the significance of the expression “Today” (Heb. 3:7, 13-15; 4:6-11), and (3) the meaning of the statement: “They shall not enter into my rest” (Heb. 3:11, 18, 19; 4:1-11). Endeavor to imitate that example as you make application of each scripture.

Observe the effectiveness with which Jesus reasoned from the Scriptures in the account found at Luke 10:25-37. A man versed in the Law asked: “Teacher, by doing what shall I inherit everlasting life?” In reply Jesus first invited the man to express his view of the matter, and then Jesus emphasized the importance of doing what God’s Word says. When it became clear that the man was missing the point, Jesus discussed at length just one word from the scripture​—“neighbor.” Instead of simply defining it, he used an illustration to help the man come to the proper conclusion himself.

It is evident that when answering questions, Jesus did not simply quote texts that gave a direct, obvious answer. He analyzed what these said and then made application to the question at hand.

When the resurrection hope was being challenged by the Sadducees, Jesus focused attention on one specific portion of Exodus 3:6. But he did not stop after quoting the scripture. He reasoned on it to show clearly that the resurrection is part of God’s purpose.​—Mark 12:24-27.

Mastering the ability to reason correctly and effectively from the Scriptures will be a significant factor in your becoming a skilled teacher.

WHETHER you are speaking to an individual or to a larger audience, it is unwise to assume that your listener(s) will be interested in your subject just because you are interested in it. Your message is important, but if you fail to make clear its practical value, you will probably not hold the interest of your audience very long.

This is true of even a Kingdom Hall audience. They may mentally tune in when you use an illustration or experience that they have not heard before. But they may tune out when you talk about things they already know, especially if you fail to build on those things. You need to help them see why and how what you are saying is of real benefit to them.

The Bible encourages us to think in practical terms. (Prov. 3:21) Jehovah used John the Baptizer to direct people to “the practical wisdom of righteous ones.” (Luke 1:17) This is wisdom that is rooted in wholesome fear of Jehovah. (Ps. 111:10) Those who appreciate this wisdom are helped to cope successfully with life now and to lay hold on the real life, the eternal life to come.​—1 Tim. 4:8; 6:19.

Making a Talk Practical. If your talk is going to be practical, you must give careful thought not only to the material but also to the audience. Do not think of them merely as a group. That group is made up of individuals and families. There may be very young ones, teenagers, adults, and some who are elderly. There may be newly interested ones as well as those who began serving Jehovah before you were born. Some may be spiritually mature; others may still be strongly influenced by certain attitudes and practices of the world. Ask yourself: ‘How might the material I am going to discuss benefit those in the audience? How can I help them to get the point?’ You may decide to give principal attention to just one or two of the groups mentioned here. However, do not completely forget the others.

What if you are assigned to discuss a basic Bible teaching? How can you make such a talk beneficial to an audience that already believes the teaching? Endeavor to strengthen their conviction in it. How? By reasoning on the Scriptural evidence supporting it. You can also deepen their appreciation for that Bible teaching. This might be done by showing how the teaching is consistent with other Bible truths and with Jehovah’s own personality. Use examples​—real-life experiences if possible—​that show how understanding this particular teaching has benefited people and has influenced their outlook on the future.

Do not confine practical application to a few brief remarks in the conclusion of your talk. Right from the start, each person in your audience should feel that “this involves me.” Having laid that foundation, continue to make practical application as you develop each of the main points in the body of the talk as well as in the conclusion.

When making application, be sure to do it in a manner that is consistent with Bible principles. What does that mean? It means doing it in a loving way and showing empathy. (1 Pet. 3:8; 1 John 4:8) Even when dealing with difficult problems in Thessalonica, the apostle Paul made it a point to highlight the positive aspects of the spiritual progress of his Christian brothers and sisters there. He also expressed confidence that in the matter then being discussed, they would want to do what is right. (1 Thess. 4:1-12) What a fine pattern to imitate!

Is your talk meant to stimulate participation in the work of preaching and teaching the good news to others? Build up enthusiasm and appreciation for the privilege. While doing so, however, keep in mind that the extent to which individuals are able to share in this varies, and the Bible takes this into account. (Matt. 13:23) Do not burden your brothers with feelings of guilt. Hebrews 10:24 urges us “to incite to love and fine works.” If we incite to love, works based on a good motive will follow. Rather than seeking to dictate conformity, recognize that what Jehovah wants is for us to promote “obedience by faith.” (Rom. 16:26) With this in mind, we seek to strengthen faith​—both our own and that of our brothers.

Helping Others to Get the Point. As you witness to others, do not fail to highlight the practical value of the good news. Doing so requires that you consider what is on the minds of the people in your territory. How can you find out? Listen to the news on the radio or television. Look at the front page of the newspaper. Also, endeavor to draw people into conversation, and listen when they talk. You may find that they are grappling with pressing problems​—loss of a job, paying the rent, illness, death of a family member, danger from crime, injustice at the hands of someone in authority, breakup of a marriage, keeping young children under control, and so forth. Can the Bible help them? Absolutely.

When starting a conversation, you will likely have a subject in mind. However, if the person indicates that some other issue is of pressing personal interest, do not hesitate to discuss that instead if you are able to do so, or offer to return with some helpful information. Of course, we avoid ‘meddling with what does not concern us,’ but we gladly share with others the practical counsel that the Bible offers. (2 Thess. 3:11) Obviously, what will impress people most is Bible counsel that touches their own lives.

If people cannot see how our message affects them personally, they may quickly end the conversation. Even if they let us talk, failure on our part to show the practical value of the subject may mean that our message will have very little effect on their lives. In contrast, if we make the practical value of the message clear, our discussion could mark the turning point in people’s lives.

When conducting Bible studies, continue to highlight practical application. (Prov. 4:7) Help students to understand Scriptural counsel, principles, and examples that show them how to walk in Jehovah’s ways. Emphasize the benefits that come from doing so. (Isa. 48:17, 18) This will move students to make needed changes in their lives. Build up in them love for Jehovah and a desire to please him, and let the motivation to apply counsel from God’s Word come from within.