Barack Obama Quotes the Bible

This was not the first time that President Barack Obama quoted the Bible, but the context made it interesting.

Obama began today's speech on the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by quoting "Good morning. Scripture tells us, “Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you . . . write them on the tablet of your heart” (Proverbs 3:3, ESV).  

President Obama at the 9/11 15th Anniversary; whitehouse.gov

Bible quotations usually work only when the audience shares the same religion, which would not be the case at a public event. In this case, however, Obama chose a quotation that expressed an uncontroversial thought, and a religious focus makes sense at a memorial service. Sometimes it works to break the rules. The quotation also started Obama on his theme, which was to praise the nation's unity. All things considered, a stylish start to the speech. 

See my earlier post for more thoughts about speech introductions.