"Manwe sought counsel in his inmost thought, ..."

[Jon S.]

"... where the will of Iluvatar was revealed."

This is the last sentence of the third-to-last paragraph of Of Beren and Luthien.

Even Manwe can only speak with God in the days of history by looking within. Those Valar are not so totally different from us mortals after all.

[Landroval]

Even Manwe can only speak with God in the days of history by looking within. Those Valar are not so totally different from us mortals after all.
Well, only Manwe is described with the power of direct communication to Eru. As far as looking within, I could hardly see another way, seeing that Tolkien stated that Eru doesn't inhabit any part of Ea. However, concerning specifically the secondborn, Eru told them, cf the Atrabeth:
Call on me and I shall hear. For I am watching over you.
I find that to be the most inspiring quote in the works.

[Olmer]

Those Valar are not so totally different from us mortals after all.
Actually, I think that Valar are more inhibited that children of Iluvatar.
Humans will go ahead with their actions, whether the will of Eru was revealed or not. ;)
Contrary to the Men , Valar are very indecisive and can't make a move without an approval of the Higher Instance. :)

[Landroval]

Contrary to the Men , Valar are very indecisive and can't make a move without an approve of the Higher Instance.
Their "indecisiveness" comes from the fact that they are dealing with a creation of Eru, of which they have little insight concerning their role. The valar created only non-sentient beings; their reluctance is more than welcome.

[Olmer]

... their reluctance is more than welcome.
I agree.
Their help is similar to the help of elephant in a china shop.
Every time they descending on the earth with their help, it's ending with a global cataclysm. :rolleyes:

[Landroval]

I agree.
Their help is similar to the help of elephant in a china shop.
Every time they descending on the earth with their help, it's ending with a global cataclysm. :rolleyes:
So, what is this critique about? They used clumsily their force? They used an inadequate amount of force? Their objectives were inadequate in using force? Looking forward to your clarification.

[ecthelion]

So, what is this critique about? They used clumsily their force? They used an inadequate amount of force? Their objectives were inadequate in using force? Looking forward to your clarification.

No critique, they are cautious because they know what is at stake. They don't mess around with Eru's creations without knowing that it is his will. :)