The voice of man and the voice of God
'Vox populi vox dei' (the voice of the people is the voice of God) is a popular statement we are quite conversant with especially when a crucial decision is about to be made- for instance, during elections. But let me consider what a voice really is for a moment: one can easily conclude that a voice is a projected sound that emerges from an individual's mouth. Beyond that however, a voice is meant to carry a message or relate one's stance on a particular issue...a voice can therefore be said to be an 'instrument of communication'.

Every man has got a voice even when he chooses not be expressive in his assertions; this means silence could pass across a message to those around him/her. The focal point of this discourse is that as man has got a voice so does God have His but then is the voice of man really the voice of God?
To answer the question raised above, I will like to go into the Scripture: 1 Samuel 8:7: And the Lord said to Samuel, hearken to the voice of the people in all they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not be King over them. From this (Bible verse), it possible to infer that 'the voice of the people' is 'the voice of God'. But let us ponder on the precedent that brought that made God to make that proclamation: God took delight in ruling the people of Israel but then they started desiring- the people's voice- to have a king like the other nations thereby making it clear that they are not satisfied with God's original plan for them, and since God will not strive with men, He decided to let them have a king (that is, Saul). So, we see here that there is a 'permissive will'- which does mean that God's hand can be forced though- and a 'submissive will'. Basing one's judgment on the permissive will of God, you can end up concluding that the voice of the people is the same as the voice of God.
However, if one is to follow God's original plan, it obvious that the voice of man is not always the same as that of God...as the Lord says in Isaiah 55:8: "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD.

Furthermore, when one reviews what became of Saul [in the end], it is very clear that prioritizing the voice of the people over the voice of God can be detrimental to the fulfillment of an individual's destiny [Ref.: 1Samuel 8:7].
So, it is from the foregoings that I will like to submit that the voice of the people is not necessarily the voice of God. In this wise, it is advisable that before taking certain steps in life [and not just go with popular opinion], you should seek to know what God is saying about your situation, for God truly rules in the affairs of men. As it is written: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5 - 6).

But you may ask; how then do I hear the voice of God?

  • list itemBy studying and meditating on the Word of God regularly. God speaks through the written word.

  • list itemThrough prayer. Prayer here should not be seen as monologue but a dialogue whereby you get to listen to know what God has to say to you [concerning a particular matter] after making your supplications.

  • list itemYou can also hear God through visions.

One thing I will like to leave you with is this: while the voice of the people can be distorted or manipulated, the voice of God is always original, and helps you to ARRIVE at a glorious destination- irrespective of the rough tides you may encounter along the way. God is not a man that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent...(Numbers 23:19)