On Saturday, both Denzel Washington and Michelle Obama were given the opportunity to speak to two separate graduating classes at historically known black universities. Michelle’s speech, which was racially motivated, was put to shame after Denzel Washington’s commencement address went viral.

The Academy and Tony Award-winning actor delivered an amazing, God-inspired speech to the 218 members of the 2015 graduating class at Dillard University. Not only was his speech inspiring, but it offered both humor and direction towards every student’s future.

What he had to say left the entire audience ready to reach for their future.

“No. 1: Put. God. First!” explained Denzel, according to QPolitical. “Put God first in everything you do. Everything I have is by the grace of God. Understand that. It’s a gift.”

He didn’t once include a racial remark in his speech, but rather insisted that God be a constant influence embedded in their lives. “I’ve been protected, I’ve been directed, I’ve been corrected. I’ve kept God in my life, and it’s kept me humble,” he exclaimed.

He told them to “fail big” and to not only have dreams but to set goals to be able to achieve those dreams.

“I pray that you put your slippers way under your bed tonight, so that when you wake up in the morning you have to get on your knees to reach them,” Denzel said, according to BizPac Review. “And while you’re down there, say, ‘Thank you. Thank you for grace, thank you for mercy, thank you for understanding, thank you for wisdom, thank you for parents, thank you for love, thank you for kindness, thank you for humility, thank you for peace, thank you for prosperity.’ Say, ‘Thank you,’ in advance for what’s already yours.”