Topical Encyclopedia
Tact is the ability to communicate or act in a way that is sensitive to the feelings and situations of others, often with the aim of maintaining harmony and avoiding offense. In the Bible, while the term "tact" itself is not explicitly mentioned, the concept is woven throughout Scripture, particularly in the wisdom literature and the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.
Biblical Principles of Tact1.
Wisdom and Understanding: Tact is closely related to wisdom, which is highly valued in the Bible.
Proverbs 15:1 states, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." This verse highlights the importance of choosing words carefully to maintain peace and understanding.
2.
Discernment: Tact involves discernment, the ability to judge well.
Proverbs 16:21 says, "The wise in heart will be called discerning, and pleasant speech increases learning." Here, the connection between wisdom, discernment, and effective communication is evident.
3.
Self-Control: Tact requires self-control, a fruit of the Spirit.
James 1:19 advises, "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger." This counsel encourages believers to be thoughtful and measured in their responses.
4.
Love and Respect: Tact is an expression of love and respect for others.
Ephesians 4:15 instructs, "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head." Speaking truth with love requires a balance that tact helps to achieve.
Examples of Tact in the Bible1.
Joseph: In
Genesis 45, Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers with great tact. Despite their past betrayal, he speaks kindly and reassures them, saying in
Genesis 45:5 , "And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you."
2.
Nathan: The prophet Nathan demonstrates tact when confronting King David about his sin with Bathsheba. In
2 Samuel 12, Nathan uses a parable to help David see his wrongdoing, allowing David to come to the realization himself before directly addressing the sin.
3.
Paul: The Apostle Paul often used tact in his letters and interactions. In
Acts 17, when speaking to the Athenians at the Areopagus, Paul acknowledges their religiosity and uses it as a starting point to introduce the Gospel, saying in
Acts 17:22-23 , "Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and examined your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: To an unknown god. Therefore what you worship as something unknown, I now proclaim to you."
The Role of Tact in Christian LifeTact is essential for effective ministry and relationships within the Christian community. It helps believers to navigate difficult conversations, resolve conflicts, and witness to others in a way that reflects Christ's love and wisdom.
Colossians 4:6 encourages, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." This verse underscores the importance of gracious and thoughtful communication, which is at the heart of tact.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Skill and discernment to say what is appropriate to circumstances.
2. (n.) The sense of touch; feeling.
3. (n.) The stroke in beating time.
Library
Tact of the Heart. March 3.
...Tact of the Heart. March 3. Random shots are dangerous and cruel, likely
to hit the wrong person and hurt his feelings unnecessarily....
Enthusiasm andTact. February 11.
... Enthusiasm andTact. February 11. . . .... What matter? But pray fortact, the true
tact which love alone can give, to prevent scandalising a weak brother....
Letter vii.Tact --Unobtrusiveness.
... LETTER VII.TACT"UNOBTRUSIVENESS. My... opinions. And yet no rules were ever
laid down by which anyone can learn to acquiretact....
The New Testament Has Preserved for us the Most Valuable Portion...
... [138] We not infrequently hear high praise given to the historical "tact" with which
the books of the New Testament were selected; "tact," however, played no...
Daily Thoughts,
... Passion and Reason. February 10. Enthusiasm andTact. February 11. The Eternal Good....
March 1. A Charm of Birds. March 2.Tact of the Heart. March 3....
On Appeal.
... of which, again, the whole sermon is the expression:"There is first, that gift,
or endowment, or talent"call it what you will"which we speak of asTact....
But There is a Further Fact; Forgotten Also Because we Moderns...
... ever called it fatherwit. Now anarchy is onlytact when it works badly.
Tact is only anarchy when it works well. And we ought to...
Face to Face with Shams
... Even in his most bold proceedings he displayed a certaintact. We are apt
to despisetact as a petty accomplishment; but just as...
The Net Broken
... that feels the lust of battle maddening him. Esther's words to the king
are full oftact. She begins with what seems to have been...
The Epistle to Philemon.
... makes an agreeable impression by its attractive form," and breathes "the noblest
Christian spirit." [1193] Holtzmann calls it "a model oftact, refinement, and...
Thesaurus
Tact (1 Occurrence)... circumstances. 2. (n.) The sense of touch; feeling. 3. (n.) The stroke in beating
time. Multi-Version Concordance
Tact (1 Occurrence). Daniel
...Tongues (67 Occurrences)
... These qualities are such as: knowledge and wisdom, zeal and prudence,
confidence and devotion, boldness and love. skill andtact....
Tadmor (2 Occurrences)
Tacklings (1 Occurrence)
Gedaliah (31 Occurrences)
... Gedaliah in a very attractive light, as one who possessed the confidence alike of
his own people and their conquerors; a man of rare wisdom andtact, and of...
Fire (602 Occurrences)
... These qualities are such as: knowledge and wisdom, zeal and prudence,
confidence and devotion, boldness and love. skill andtact....
Herod (45 Occurrences)
... His intellectual powers were far beyond the ordinary; his will was indomitable;
he was possessed of greattact, when he saw fit to employ it; in the great...
Rome (12 Occurrences)
... 1. Imperial Authority: Augustus displayed considerabletact in blending his own
mastery in the state with the old institutions of the republican constitution....
Ethiopia (26 Occurrences)
... Early in the 17th century Father Pedro Paez, an ecclesiastic of muchtact, won the
king fully to his faith, and under his direction many churches were erected...
Resources
What does the Bible say about self-defense? | GotQuestions.orgAre men and women equal in God's eyes? | GotQuestions.orgDealing with negative people-what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.orgTact: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
