Esther and the Courage to Speak Up at Work

There are moments at work when staying quiet would be easier. You need to ask for a raise you have earned. A practice in your workplace is harming customers. A team member is being treated unfairly. A decision is about to be made that you believe is a serious mistake. Speaking up feels risky, and you wonder whether it is your place.

The story of Esther speaks directly to moments like these.

For such a time as this

Esther was a young Jewish woman who became queen of Persia. When a powerful official named Haman arranged a decree to destroy the Jewish people, Esther's cousin Mordecai urged her to appeal to the king. But approaching the king without being summoned could mean death.

Mordecai's response has inspired people for centuries: "And who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14, KJV). Esther's position was not only a privilege. It might also be a responsibility.

Esther agreed, but not recklessly. She asked her people to fast with her for three days, and then she would go to the king, saying, "and if I perish, I perish." (Esther 4:16, KJV).

How Esther approached her hard ask

What is striking about Esther's story is not only her courage but her wisdom. She did not burst into the king's presence with a demand. She prepared carefully.

She prayed and fasted with others

Esther did not face the moment alone. She asked others to fast with her, and she fasted too. Before a difficult conversation, prayer and the support of trusted people can steady you.

She chose the right moment

When the king received her, Esther did not immediately make her request. She invited the king and Haman to a banquet. Then she invited them to a second one. Only then did she reveal her request. She understood timing and setting.

She built on relationship

Esther had a relationship with the king. She approached him respectfully and with an understanding of what he valued.

She made a clear, specific request

When the moment came, Esther spoke plainly. She explained what was happening, who was responsible and exactly what she was asking for: her life and the lives of her people.

She accepted the risk

Esther knew speaking up might cost her. She chose to act anyway because something important was at stake.

Applying Esther's wisdom at work

Whether you are asking for a raise, raising a concern, advocating for a colleague or pushing back on a decision, these steps can help.

1. Pray and seek support

Bring the situation to God. Talk with a mentor, friend or spouse. Ask others to pray with you. Clarify whether this is truly your conversation to have and what outcome you hope for.

2. Prepare your facts

Gather specific information: examples, results, documentation or data. For a raise, list your contributions and what similar roles are paid. For a concern, write down what you have observed and its impact.

3. Choose the right moment and setting

Avoid raising a difficult issue in a rushed hallway conversation or in front of others. Ask for a private meeting at a time when the other person can listen.

4. Speak respectfully and clearly

Start with appreciation where it is genuine. Then explain the situation and make a clear request. "Based on my results this year and my expanded responsibilities, I would like to discuss an increase in my salary." Or: "I am concerned that our current return process is misleading customers, and I would like to propose a change."

5. Listen to the response

Be open to questions and other perspectives. You may learn something new, or the other person may need time to consider your request.

6. Accept the outcome with grace

You may not get the answer you hoped for. Speaking up honestly is still worthwhile. It clarifies where things stand and may open doors later.

When speaking up involves serious wrongdoing

If you are raising concerns about illegal activity, safety issues, harassment or fraud, follow your organization's reporting procedures and document what you observe. In some cases, it may be appropriate to seek advice from an attorney or report to an outside authority. Courage and wisdom both matter.

For guidance on delivering hard messages with care, see speaking the truth in love. And for a reminder that faith and work belong together, read work as worship.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I should speak up or stay quiet?

Ask whether something important is at stake, whether you are in a position to help and whether staying silent would allow harm to continue. Pray, seek counsel and consider whether speaking up fits your role and the situation.

What if speaking up could cost me my job?

That is a real risk to weigh carefully. Seek counsel from trusted people and, where legal issues are involved, an attorney. Some situations call for courage despite risk; others call for patience and a different approach.

Is it unbiblical for women to advocate for themselves at work?

Esther's story shows a woman acting with courage and wisdom to advocate for herself and others. Respectful, honest self-advocacy, such as asking for fair pay, reflects integrity rather than selfishness.