His disciples said, “Look, now you are speaking plainly ¹  and not in obscure figures of speech! ² 

Both Judas and Silas, who were prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with a long speech. ¹ 

For you were made rich ¹  in every way in him, in all your speech and in every kind of knowledge ²  –

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone.

For we never appeared ¹  with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed – God is our witness –

On a day determined in advance, Herod ¹  put on his royal robes, ²  sat down on the judgment seat, ³  and made a speech ⁴  to them.

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel – and not with clever speech, so that the cross of Christ would not become useless. ¹ 

because some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is weak ¹  and his speech is of no account.” ² 

Neither should there be vulgar speech, foolish talk, or coarse jesting – all of which are out of character – but rather thanksgiving.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, ¹  stand firm and hold on to the traditions that we taught you, whether by speech or by letter. ² 

Let no one look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in your speech, conduct, love, faithfulness, ¹  and purity.

“I have told you these things in obscure figures of speech; ¹  a time ²  is coming when I will no longer speak to you in obscure figures, but will tell you ³  plainly ⁴  about the Father.

But as you excel ¹  in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, and in all eagerness and in the love from us that is in you ²  – make sure that you excel ³  in this act of kindness ⁴  too.