Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus isn't forbidding all preparation or thoughtful speech, but rather an anxious, self-reliant planning that distrusts God's provision. The command to "settle it" means to firmly establish a dependence on the Holy Spirit, who will provide the exact words and wisdom needed in the moment of trial.
Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is speaking about the difficult times and persecutions his followers will face, even predicting the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple. Amidst these dire warnings, he reassures them that when they are brought before authorities, they will be given wisdom and words that their adversaries cannot refute. This promise is rooted in God's empowering presence, not their own anxious preparation.
Ever felt the pressure to have the 'perfect' comeback or explanation when put on the spot? Jesus offers a different way.
Jesus' command to "settle it therefore in your hearts" isn't about being passive. It's about making a deliberate decision to trust.
A Firm Foundation
Think of 'settling' like laying a solid foundation for a building. Jesus wants you to build your response, not on your own cleverness or preparation, but on His promised help.
Beyond Anxiety
This isn't about avoiding all thought or preparation. It’s about releasing the anxious and self-reliant kind of preparation. It’s distinguishing between wise planning and worried fretting.
When Jesus promises you'll be given a 'mouth and wisdom,' He's pointing to a divine helper who equips you.
Jesus' instruction is directly linked to the promise that follows: 'for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.'
Divine Enablement
This 'mouth and wisdom' isn't something you conjure up on your own. It's a gift from the Holy Spirit, the very advocate Jesus promised would come to guide and empower believers. When you're called to speak for Him, especially in challenging circumstances, the Spirit Himself will provide the words and the understanding needed.
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Resisting Opposition
The promise is clear: this God-given wisdom will be irresistible. It doesn't mean your words will always be accepted, but they will be so grounded in divine truth that they cannot be logically defeated or overcome by opponents.
Jesus' words here aren't about avoiding preparation altogether, but about trusting God's Spirit in moments of intense scrutiny. The promise is that when believers are dragged before authorities for their faith, they won't need to agonize over crafting a defense; divine wisdom will be given.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus Teaches and Ministers
Jesus' ministry, teachings, and discipleship occur, forming the core of what will later be proclaimed. This period includes His interactions and instruction to the disciples regarding future trials.
c. AD 33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
The pivotal events of Jesus' death and resurrection provide the foundation for the Christian message and the persecution the disciples will face.
c. AD 33 - 40s
Early Church Growth and Persecution
The nascent Christian movement spreads, facing increasing opposition from both Jewish authorities and eventually Roman officials. This sets the stage for the need for divine wisdom in defense.
c. AD 41-54
Roman Rule and Sporadic Persecutions
Emperors like Claudius and Nero ruled during this period, with varying degrees of tolerance or hostility towards new religious movements, including early Christians.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment and Letters
Apostles like Paul, facing imprisonment and trials, would have experienced firsthand the need for God's guidance in their defense, as reflected in his writings.
This passage is a parallel account where Jesus tells his disciples not to worry about how or what to speak, as the words will be given to them. It directly echoes the sentiment of Luke 21:14 about not premeditating an answer.
Mark 13:11Another parallel account, Mark 13:11, delivers the same message, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit will speak through them when they are brought before authorities. This reinforces the idea of divine enablement in response to persecution.
Acts 6:10This verse describes Stephen, who 'could not stand against the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke,' demonstrating a real-life fulfillment of Jesus' promise. It shows the disciples receiving the promised wisdom and ability to speak boldly when put on the spot.
1 Peter 3:15Peter encourages believers to 'always be prepared to give an answer' but contextually, this doesn't mean premeditation, but rather having a readiness rooted in Christ. It complements Jesus' instruction by highlighting the attitude of the heart from which the answer should flow.
Exodus 4:12When Moses expressed his inability to speak well, God promised, 'I will be with your mouth and teach you what you are to say.' This Old Testament example parallels Jesus' promise to provide the words for His followers when they are called to testify.
pooleLuke 21:14: "Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:"
Ver. 14,15. See Poole on "Matthew 10:19" , See Poole on "Matthew 10:20" , See Poole on "Mark 13:11" . We must not think that our Saviour by this forbids us what is naturally impossible for us to avoid, that is, the forming of those words first in our thoughts which we speak, nor yet a prudent thinking beforehand what we should speak; but an anxious thinking what we should speak, such a thinking as sho…
vincentLuke 21:14: "Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:"
To answerSee on answer, 1 Peter 3:15.
Jesus isn't forbidding all preparation or thoughtful speech, but rather an anxious, self-reliant planning that distrusts God's provision. The command to "settle it" means to firmly establish a dependence on the Holy Spirit, who will provide the exact words and wisdom needed in the moment of trial.
Jesus is speaking about the difficult times and persecutions his followers will face, even predicting the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple. Amidst these dire warnings, he reassures them that when they are brought before authorities, they will be given wisdom and words that their adversaries cannot refute. This promise is rooted in God's empowering presence, not their own anxious preparation.
Jesus is speaking about the difficult times and persecutions his followers will face, even predicting the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple. Amidst these dire warnings, he reassures them that when they are brought before authorities, they will be given wisdom and words that their adversaries cannot refute. This promise is rooted in God's empowering presence, not their own anxious preparation.
"Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer," — Jesus isn't forbidding all preparation or thoughtful speech, but rather an anxious, self-reliant planning that distrusts God's provision. The command to "settle it" means to firmly establish a depend…
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Last reviewed October 2026