Let no day slip over without some comfort received from the mouth of God.
John KnoxRead
I have never once feared the devil, but I tremble every time I enter the pulpit.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects a deep sense of responsibility in leadership and the power of words spoken from a position of authority.
John Knox expresses an intriguing perspective on the weighing nature of speaking out in a religious context. While he claims not to fear the devil—often seen as a metaphor for evil or temptation—he acknowledges a profound trepidation when entering the pulpit, highlighting the seriousness and impact of delivering messages that guide and influence others. This sense of responsibility reflects a recognition of the potential consequences of one's words, particularly in the context of spiritual leadership.
Themes
FearResponsibilityLeadershipWordsPulpitInfluence
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on accountability, one might quote Knox to emphasize the weight of one’s words.
More from John Knox
All quotes →The testimony of scripture is so plain that to add anything were superfluous, were it not that the world is almost now come to that blindness, that whatsoever pleases not the princes and the multitude, the same is rejected as doctrine newly forged, and is condemned for heresy.
John KnoxRead
As touching nature I am a worm of this earth, and yet a subject of this commonwealth; but as touching the office wherein it has pleased God to place me, I am a watchman... For that reason I am bound in conscience to blow the trumpet publicly.
John KnoxRead
I will keep the ground that God has given me and perhaps in his grace, he will ignite me again. But ignite me or not, in his grace, in his power, I will hold the ground.
John KnoxRead
A man with God is always in the majority.
John KnoxRead
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