Ennathinks

A Soft Answer and the King’s Eyes

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger,” says Solomon (Proverbs 15:1). In our Indian context, the tone of an answer often depends on the rank of the questioner. If the person is a low-rank official, our tone is high; if a high-rank officer, our tone is humble. But Solomon’s principle transcends rank. It applies in every realm—even within the family.

A classic example of this wisdom appears in the Book of Ezra.

When King Cyrus of Persia decreed that the Jews could return to Jerusalem, around 1500 people (possibly 5000 including families) came back to restore the altar and temple. However, due to opposition, the building was halted until the prophets Haggai and Zechariah urged them to resume construction.

Then came Tattenai, the Persian governor of Trans-Euphrates, along with imperial officials, asking two questions:

1. Who gave you a decree to rebuild this house?
2. What are the names of those leading this work? (Ezra 5:3–4)

These men were “the King’s Eyes”—imperial inspectors who reported directly to the emperor. The Jews’ response was neither defensive nor rebellious. They introduced themselves as servants of “the God of heaven and earth,” confessed their forefathers’ sins that led to the exile, and testified that King Cyrus had authorized the rebuilding. Their answer was truthful, humble, and filled with conviction.

The outcome? Darius, upon searching the royal archives, found Cyrus’s decree in Ecbatana and ordered that the work continue freely. He even commanded that all temple costs be funded from the royal treasury and sacrifices supplied daily.

What gave the Jewish elders such confidence to speak so openly before imperial inspectors? Ezra 5:5 holds the key: “But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews.” When God’s eyes rest upon us, we can face even “the king’s eyes” with peace and assurance.

Relating to Authority: A First Principle

This same truth was foundational to early Christian discipleship. Paul instructed new believers—many of them living under the harsh rule of Caesar—to see rulers and authorities as “God’s servants for your good” (Romans 13:1–7). Titus was told to “remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready to do whatever is good” (Titus 3:1). Peter echoed it: “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority” (1 Peter 2:13–14).

Historians note that this was among the first principles taught to new believers after baptism. They were trained to relate rightly to civil leaders—not in fear, but in faith; not compromising godliness, but bearing witness through obedience and respect. Submission to authority was not weakness; it was part of their discipleship and public testimony.

Questions to Ponder

• When questioned by authority, do our answers reflect humility and truth, or irritation and pride?
• If early believers under emperors were taught submission as a spiritual discipline, how do we—living in a democracy—practice that principle?
• Are we conscious that “the eye of God” is upon us in every interaction, especially when “the king’s eyes” question us?

Final Reflection

When honesty, humility, and faith guide our answers, God’s favor turns human authority toward His purpose—just as it did in Ezra’s day. The power of a soft answer is not merely in words—it flows from the quiet confidence that the eye of our God watches over us.