"I have always been fond of the West African proverb: Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far. If I had not carried the big stick, the Organization would not have gotten behind me; and if I had yelled and blustered… I would not have had ten votes.” So wrote American President Theodore Roosevelt in a letter to Henry L. Sprague of the Union League Club, on January 26, 1900.
Although historians have not found corroborative evidence for that assertion, an incident that took place in the Torah portion of Chukas may add force to Roosevelt’s claim that the phrase was indeed of African origin.
The Torah relates that as the ancient Israelites wandered through the desert, the miraculous traveling Well of Miriam the Prophetess provided much needed water for the nation. Upon Miriam’s passing, the well bearing her name dried up, leaving millions of people faint with thirst.
To alleviate their plight, G-d spoke to Moses saying: “Take the stick and gather together the assembly… and speak to the stone before their eyes that it shall give its waters…Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock… and abundant water came forth.” (Numbers: 20:7-14)
Although he succeeded in bringing forth water, for the sin of striking the stone as opposed to speaking to it, Moses was punished.
The commentaries struggle to understand the nature of Moses’s sin. What could possibly be wrong with striking the stone? Years earlier, upon entering the desert, G-d Himself had commanded Moses to bring forth water by striking a stone! More puzzling, if it was indeed so wrong for Moses to strike the stone, than why command him to take the stick along in the first place!
Based on an idea offered by Reb Moshe Feinstein, of blessed memory, perhaps we can offer the following insight. The stone is analogous to the recalcitrant Jewish nation, incapable of absorbing the lesson of G-d’s omnipotence despite all His wondrous miracles on their behalf. As the leader of his people, Moses has a dilemma: How is he to react? Is he to remain passive and let nature take its course, or is he obligated to excoriate them for their unbecoming behavior?
G-d addresses Moses: “Take the stick” - let them see that you’re serious, but DON’T use it, “speak to them” - with warmth, understanding and empathy and then they WILL respond!
Herein lies a vital lesson for every leader, parent or educator. Honey is far more attractive than vinegar! Inspire your children with love, caring and respect and you will be greatly rewarded with heartwarming results.
Somewhere in Africa, Moses, on his exalted level, missed an educational moment. May we all learn from this incident to speak very softly and just carry a big stick!