Introduction
When you are asked to speak at a Japanese wedding, as a friend of the couple or as a supervisor, quoting a Bible verse can touch Christian newlyweds deeply. In Japan, speeches at the reception (hirōen) follow a custom: words with bad associations such as "cut," "part" or "return" are avoided, so choosing your words takes a little care. These 20 verses, quoted from the World English Bible, are grouped into four themes: love, union, the foundation of the home, and blessing. In a speech you do not need to read a whole passage; one short verse and a personal word are enough.
Love Above All
1. 1 Peter 4:8
"And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins."
Above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins, Peter urges. A long marriage includes misunderstandings and mistakes. Being able to forgive each other every time is a couple's greatest treasure. You can conclude with: "Keep your love earnest." Read all of 1 Peter 4.
2. Colossians 3:14
"Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection."
Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection, says Paul. It is an ideal verse for a wedding speech. Even with different personalities and histories, love joins the two like a belt. You can add: "Always treasure that bond of love." Read all of Colossians 3.
3. Song of Songs 8:7
"Many waters can’t quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man would give all the wealth of his house for love, he would be utterly scorned."
Many waters can't quench love, neither can floods drown it, sings the Song of Songs. In the storms of life, love does not go out. Thinking of the trials the couple will meet, you can offer them this strength of love as a blessing. It is also an encouragement for young newlyweds. Read all of Song of Songs 8.
4. 1 John 4:7
"Beloved, let’s love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves has been born of God, and knows God."
Beloved, let's love one another, for love is of God, writes John. A couple's love is like a reflection of God's love. For Christian newlyweds this verse reminds them that the source of their love is in God. You can end your speech with it to express your blessing. Read all of 1 John 4.
5. Romans 12:10
"In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor preferring one another;"
In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor preferring one another, advises Paul. Even between husband and wife, respect matters. The closer we are, the more we forget thanks and consideration. This verse is easy for a supervisor or colleague to quote. Read all of Romans 12.
Two Joined Together
6. Genesis 2:18
"Yahweh God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make him a helper comparable to him.”"
It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him, God said. Marriage is a gift God prepared for people. What we do not see alone, we see together. You can say in your speech: "May your life together be rich." Read all of Genesis 2.
7. Genesis 2:24
"Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife, and they will be one flesh."
A man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife, and they will be one flesh, says Genesis. It is a word that blesses two people who leave their parents to found a new home. In your speech, also thank the parents of both families and share the joy of this beginning. Read all of Genesis 2.
8. Matthew 19:6
"So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, don’t let man tear apart.”"
What therefore God has joined together, don't let man tear apart, Jesus said. It is a word also read at the church ceremony about the marriage joined by God. In a reception speech, avoid the word "tear apart": quote mainly the first part and say, "the two whom God has joined together." Read all of Matthew 19.
9. Ecclesiastes 4:9
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor."
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor, says Ecclesiastes. At work and at home, two obtain more fruit than one. At work and at home you have probably seen this in the couple. You can tell a memory of them that illustrates this verse and offer these words warmly. Read all of Ecclesiastes 4.
10. Proverbs 18:22
"Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of Yahweh."
Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of Yahweh, says the proverb. This verse has long been loved as a congratulation to the groom. Take care not to give the impression of treating the bride as an object: add words of gratitude and respect, and stress that they are a gift to each other. Read all of Proverbs 18.
Building the Foundation of a Home
11. Psalm 127:1
"Unless Yahweh builds the house, they who build it labor in vain. Unless Yahweh watches over the city, the watchman guards it in vain."
Unless Yahweh builds the house, they who build it labor in vain, sings the psalm. A new home is built under God's blessing, not only through the efforts of two people. You can conclude: "May the Lord be the foundation of your home." It touches Christian newlyweds especially. Read all of Psalm 127.
12. Matthew 7:24-25
"“Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock."
Everyone who hears these words and does them is like a wise man who built his house on a rock, Jesus says. The rain, the floods and the winds could not make a house founded on the rock fall. Offer this verse with the wish that God's word be the rock of their home. Read all of Matthew 7.
13. Proverbs 24:3-4
"Through wisdom a house is built; by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all rare and beautiful treasure."
Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established, says the proverb. To found a home you need not only passion but also wisdom and understanding. Daily conversation and accepting differences make it firm. Cite the couple's honesty and their willingness to listen to each other as an example. Read all of Proverbs 24.
14. Psalm 128:1
"Blessed is everyone who fears Yahweh, who walks in his ways."
Blessed is everyone who fears Yahweh, who walks in his ways, sings the psalm. The secret of a happy home is nothing special: revering God and walking in his ways. The verse is short and easy to remember, so it suits a speech when you are nervous. It prays for their happiness in few words. Read all of Psalm 128.
15. Ephesians 4:2-3
"with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
With all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, Paul urges. Married life takes effort to move toward each other. Offer the couple the importance of bearing with one another and keeping unity, gently. Read all of Ephesians 4.
Blessing for the Couple
16. Psalm 67:1
"May God be merciful to us, bless us, and cause his face to shine on us."
May God be merciful to us, bless us, and cause his face to shine on us, prays the psalm. It is a prayer you can say as it stands for the couple's new beginning. Before the toast, add: "May God's face shine on you." The whole room will be wrapped in blessing. Read all of Psalm 67.
17. Romans 15:5-6
"Now the God of perseverance and of encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, that with one accord you may with one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
May the God of perseverance and of encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another, Paul prays. What a couple needs is less the same opinions than to walk with one heart. Offer this prayer as a wish for their future; it will be a speech people remember. Read all of Romans 15.
18. Colossians 3:15
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful."
Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful, says Paul. Everyone prefers a home of peace and gratitude to a house of quarrels. In conclusion, say: "Always stay thankful, in good days and in hard ones." Gratitude is the habit that keeps a home peaceful. Read all of Colossians 3.
19. Psalm 121:8
"Yahweh will keep your going out and your coming in, from this time forward, and forever more."
Yahweh will keep your going out and your coming in, from this time forward, and forever more, says the psalm. It is the promise that God protects the daily comings and goings of a new home. The simple words "Have a good day" and "Welcome home" can be accompanied by God's protection. You can add this meaning to your wishes. Read all of Psalm 121.
20. Psalm 20:4
"May he grant you your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your counsel."
May he grant you your heart's desire, and fulfill all your counsel, prays the psalm. It is a blessing that God would support the dreams and plans the couple will draw up. Close your speech with: "May your dreams come true under God's blessing." Said slowly, just before the toast, it makes a warm ending. Read all of Psalm 20.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Bible verse should I choose for a wedding speech?
Colossians 3:14, which says love is the bond of perfection, and Psalm 127:1, "Unless Yahweh builds the house," are often chosen. Pick a short verse that fits the couple's faith and situation.
Can I quote the Bible for a couple who are not Christians?
It is better to know their wishes first. If you quote, keep to a short passage on universal themes such as love and gratitude, without imposing anything. Words about love, like those in 1 Corinthians 13, are well received.
What should I watch for when quoting the Bible in a speech?
Avoid long quotations and limit yourself to one or two verses. For the reference, book, chapter and verse are enough. Watch for words with bad associations, and above all say what you feel for the couple in your own words.