Since ancient times, God has communicated with mankind in a wide variety of ways. He has spoken through signs and wonders. One of the ways He has communicated with man is through man himself. Throughout the generations, prophets, judges and kings alike have addressed the people of the world with similar consequences. Man must face up to his ability to be wise when he speaks, since life and death are in the power of the tongue. John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ, faced King Herod's adultery problem in the same way as the prophet Nathan faced King David in his baseness with Barsheba. Nathan approached the issue with tact, John the Baptist was verbally brutal and ended up having his head cut off. It's everyone's duty to keep a tight rein on their tongues and appear wise when expressing themselves, otherwise words can lead to miserable situations of revolt, war, antipathy that can sacrifice nations, tribes and so on.