The Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 2:12

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

God-given thoughts and impulse.

"Neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem."

I. WHEN WE MAY SAFELY ASCRIBE TO GOD WHAT HAS ARISEN IN OUR HEARTS. There is a danger, to which fervent religiousness exposes men, of delusion, fanaticism, and impiety in ascribing their thoughts, feelings, or purposes to God. When may we safely say, "God put it into my heart"?

1. When the thought, feeling, or purpose is manifestly good. God is the author of all good, and only of good. He cannot put evil into the heart. To ascribe it to him is blasphemy. Hatred, malice, uncharitableness, misrepresentation, injustice, cruelty, even though they assume the garb of piety, cannot be from him. They bear upon them the stamp of their father, the devil. Let furious bigots, calumniators of their Christian brethren, and persecutors, lay this to heart. Before ascribing to God what is in our heart, we must compare it with what we know to be from him—the teaching of our Lord, his character, the enumerations of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22, Galatians 5:23; Ephesians 5:9). Whatever corresponds with these we may safely conclude to be from God. And the closer the correspondence, the more certain the conclusion.

2. When it issues in great good. Nehemiah, writing after he had executed his purpose and seen its beneficial results, could speak confidently as to its source. This rule for determining the Divine origin of our mental operations must, however, be applied with caution. It is only subordinate, not sufficient of itself. For

II. WHY WE SHOULD ASCRIBE TO GOD THE GOOD WHICH ARISES IN OUR HEARTS.

1. It is manifestly according to truth.

2. It is required by gratitude A great benefit and honour is thus conferred upon us.

3. Humility demands and is promoted by it. Yet the human heart is so deceitful, that under a show of humility pride and self-complacency may hide, and be fostered by the thought of the distinction thus enjoyed.

4. Due regard for the glory of God will induce us to do this.

5. It is acceptable to God, who will reward by "more grace."

III. THE PROPRIETY AND WISDOM OF SOMETIMES CONCEALING FROM MEN WHAT GOD HAS PUT INTO OUR HEARTS. There is "a time to be silent;" yet there is also "a time to speak."

1. Reticence as to our pious thoughts, emotions, and purposes may be right. As for instance when indulged—

2. Reticence may be, or become, wrong. It is so—

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