Proverbs 16:1 
The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.
A famous Jewish luminary expressed this proverb in the following words: “Man has ideas, but God gives speech which will either cause him to stumble with his words or speak eloquently”. Rashi.
There was one man in the Bible; his name was Herod. He gave an eloquent speech but did not give glory to God. We are told that because of it, at the end of his speech he gave up the ghost and that he was eaten by worms.
The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.
A famous Jewish luminary expressed this proverb in the following words: “Man has ideas, but God gives speech which will either cause him to stumble with his words or speak eloquently”. Rashi.
There was one man in the Bible; his name was Herod. He gave an eloquent speech but did not give glory to God. We are told that because of it, at the end of his speech he gave up the ghost and that he was eaten by worms.
Acts 12:21-23.
When it comes to politicians and leaders, we need to realize that God ultimately remains sovereign over history. He decides who reigns, governs and rules each country. He also decides each country’s sphere of influence in the world at any given times of history. All the eloquent rhetoric in the world will not promote a leader in the eyes of its people, or a nation in the eyes of the world if God wills it not. On the other hand, no one can contain the growing influence of a leader or of a nation if God has a plan for it, be it good or evil.
The most eloquent of speeches can be prepared but in the end, the answer from the tongue comes from God. When a speaker successfully convinces his audience, with good or with bad, ultimately God is responsible for inspiring him or allowed his influence to be spread.
What is true of world leaders and politics is also true on a personal and domestic level. Teachers, counselors, parents and pastors need to prayerfully prepare their notes on what they need to convey to their audiences, but in the end, once they have done their best, they need to acknowledge and realize that the ultimate results belong to God.
In a certain sense, with the knowledge of this principle, we can see the signs of the times. A careful study of current moral and political influences give us and idea of which direction God is allowing the world to take, and therefore a window into the future.
Let us then be smart. Let us rely on the Almighty Spirit of God for the delivery of our own speeches, and may we have discernment about the growing influences around us.
When it comes to politicians and leaders, we need to realize that God ultimately remains sovereign over history. He decides who reigns, governs and rules each country. He also decides each country’s sphere of influence in the world at any given times of history. All the eloquent rhetoric in the world will not promote a leader in the eyes of its people, or a nation in the eyes of the world if God wills it not. On the other hand, no one can contain the growing influence of a leader or of a nation if God has a plan for it, be it good or evil.
The most eloquent of speeches can be prepared but in the end, the answer from the tongue comes from God. When a speaker successfully convinces his audience, with good or with bad, ultimately God is responsible for inspiring him or allowed his influence to be spread.
What is true of world leaders and politics is also true on a personal and domestic level. Teachers, counselors, parents and pastors need to prayerfully prepare their notes on what they need to convey to their audiences, but in the end, once they have done their best, they need to acknowledge and realize that the ultimate results belong to God.
In a certain sense, with the knowledge of this principle, we can see the signs of the times. A careful study of current moral and political influences give us and idea of which direction God is allowing the world to take, and therefore a window into the future.
Let us then be smart. Let us rely on the Almighty Spirit of God for the delivery of our own speeches, and may we have discernment about the growing influences around us.
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