As the presidential election closes in, our nation is awash with high-stakes words, sharp accusations, and controversial statements from both major candidates and their most vocal supporters. The past few days alone have seen a surge of verbal missteps, barbed remarks, and ambiguous statements that have caused many to question the character of these public figures. For a society already grappling with political division, it’s frustrating, even exhausting. We expect a higher standard of discourse, especially from those seeking the country’s highest office. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that “the tongue has the power of life and death.” Words are not mere air—they influence minds and stir emotions. But what about policies?
As important as words are, when choosing a leader, we cannot afford to weigh them more heavily than policies. Allowing a candidate’s rhetoric to overshadow their platform means missing the forest for the trees. It’s a hard truth that a president with abrasive language but sound policies will ultimately do more good for the nation than one with polished speech who enacts misguided or harmful policies. Policies reach far beyond the campaign trail and have profound, generational effects. This is not to excuse harmful words—they should be called out, confronted, and checked. Yet our vote must focus on the long-term effects that only policies can deliver.
For Christian voters, this principle is doubly significant. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes judging by actions over words, as in Matthew 7:16: “By their fruit, you will recognize them.” Words are fleeting; they fall away like leaves in the wind. Policies, on the other hand, take root like seeds in the soil, growing into legacies that shape our daily lives and the world our children inherit. Policies affect the family, the workforce, and the freedoms we hold dear. They shape educational standards, religious liberties, and the sanctity of life. And if these policies are misguided, the damage is far more severe and lasting than any offense caused by a careless remark.
As people of faith, we cannot deny that words reflect a person’s heart and that mean-spirited rhetoric reveals a lack of humility or even wisdom. We are right to condemn and call out harsh, divisive, or cruel language. But it is shortsighted to place more weight on words than on actions. Consider Proverbs 29:2: “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.” A few unkind words may sting or offend, but harmful policies can wound an entire society and generations. A world of policies that protect life, promote family, uphold justice, and safeguard individual freedoms far outweighs the discomfort caused by unpleasant words.
Furthermore, dismissing a candidate solely because of their words without weighing their policy proposals can easily turn into a moral high ground that, ironically, leaves society vulnerable to policies that may prove disastrous. There’s a danger in choosing leaders based on personality rather than policy. Today, it has become common to say, “I refuse to vote for a mean-spirited person, no matter what they stand for.” However, a refusal to vote on the grounds of rhetoric alone is often a vote for the policies of the opposing candidate. It’s a passive but powerful choice.
It’s wise to remember the words of Ecclesiastes 10:2: “The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.” Voting based on policies that align with wisdom and righteousness requires discernment. Maybe the candidate whose policies are closest to biblical values speaks harshly or makes statements that offend. And while we should continue to call for civility and integrity in public discourse, we cannot afford to overlook policy impacts in favor of polished speech.
In this election, consider the enduring consequences of the policies each candidate represents. Be vocal in condemning rhetoric that is divisive or harmful. Yet when you step into the voting booth, remember that words are temporary, but policies are lasting. Choose the path that aligns most closely with the values you hold dear and the future you believe is best for our nation. Pray for discernment, for in voting, we are planting seeds for the future. And as always, let’s seek God’s wisdom, remembering that “By their fruit, you will recognize them.”