Quotation by

Leo Tolstoy

The chief difference between words and deeds is that words are always intended for men for their approbation, but deeds can be done only for God.

Leo Tolstoy

God

Understanding this quote AI Analysis

Tolstoy is saying that when people speak, they usually do so to gain approval or praise from others. In contrast, actions are ultimately performed with a higher purpose in mind, meant to be seen and judged by God rather than by people.

More by this author

All quotes by Leo Tolstoy →

More quotes about God

See all →

Discernment is God's call to intercession, never to faultfinding.

I really am pretty happy with what God gave me.

Man's sin is in his failure to live what he is. Being the master of the earth, man forgets that he is the servant of God.

I've looked on many women with lust. I've committed adultery in my heart many times. God knows I will do this and forgives me.

The face you have at age 25 is the face God gave you, but the face you have after 50 is the face you earned.

We have domesticated God's transcendence. We often learn about God at about the same time as we are learning about Santa Claus but our ideas about Santa Claus change, mature and become more nuanced, …