6 Bible Verses for Writers

By Gina Conroy
and Brandy Heineman 

Many of us look at the Bible as one big book, but it’s actually many different books written by different authors organized in a way to help us come to know the nature of God and his people. The authors range from murdering orphans, whining righteous men and prophets to widows, adulterers, and a man who murdered Christians for their faith. Hardly a glowing resume for a book contract, and yet God used them to tell His story. They probably had know idea their words would be Bible verses that would encourage writes. 

If all scripture, written by a rag tag group of writers, is said to be “inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17), it stands to reason, God can use you to tell his story through your experience. 

Just like writers today, I can imagine the authors of the books of the Bible getting weary, second guessing, and doubting whether their writing is actually from the heart of God or their own frivolous ramblings. Can you relate?

While many of the authors of the Bible were speaking to a particular audience for a specific purpose, it’s comforting to know their words can encourage us today. Here are 6 Bible verses to help writers like you tell your story. 

Jeremiah 30:2 

“Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Write all the words which I have spoken to you in a book.’”

Books, whether fiction or nonfiction, are meant to be read.  As  writers who share our faith through story, we want the words that flow from our fingertips to be God-inspired. But how do we assure that they are? If we strive to abide in Christ, and  pay close attention, we will hear his voice. Then we will be able to write all the words he wants to express through us for our intended audience. Different authors will have different stories to tell, so don’t compare yourself to someone else. Easier said, then done, I know. 

Revelation 21:5

And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”

Yes, these are precise words to designated prophets with specific assignments. However, Christian writers should take note, as they show our Lord commissioning writers for his purpose. He could have communicated with mankind in any way He pleased, and He chose the written word.

Psalm 45:1

My heart overflows with a good theme;
I address my verses to the King;
My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

While this might be the most quoted Bible verse for writers, what is the author actually saying? It’s actually a psalm of praise. Many writers quote this Bible verse, and I’m sure everyone has their own spin. For me (Gina,) I see it as a prayer for my heart to overflow with a good theme, for my words on the page to glorify Christ, and prose to be read.

I (Brandy) love that this verse likens an overflow of praise to a ready writer. That white-hot glow of an intense creative burst that we all love? It’s a picture of what our praise can and should look like. (Bonus tip: when you let God fill your heart with good stuff, good stuff comes pouring out.)

Matthew 13:51-52   

“Have you understood all these things?”
They said to Him, “Yes.”
And Jesus said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old.”

Jesus, who so often taught by telling stories, spoke a special word to the scribes who became His followers. The word scribe here refers to a clerk, public servant, secretary or recorder, possibly a teacher of the law. What a thrill that when we understand His word, our store of treasure contains old things (like truth and salvation) and new things He’s licensed to us to create!

Esther 4:13-14   

Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?”

I (Brandy) include this verse for two reasons. First, its application: who knows whether your writing journey hasn’t led you to such a time as this? Second, its pure power in the story of Esther. I hope the stories I tell, whether fiction or nonfiction, will be blessed to raise chills and strengthen hearts in the Lord in a similar way.

Psalm 19:1-4a-b

The heavens are telling of the glory of God;
And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.
Day to day pours forth speech,
And night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words;
Their voice is not heard.
Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their utterances to the end of the world.

Remember No. 1, where the Lord could have chosen any means of communication? It turns out that He did. All creation proclaims Him, folks. Before I get too puffed up in thinking how meaningful my writerly service is, Psalm 19 is there to remind me that while God chose words, He didn’t need them.

Which Bible verse inspires you as a writer?

If you still struggle with getting your story out, here are 3 ways to simplify your life and write. Please explore this website for more ways to help you write your story!