One word of God can do more than ten thousand words of men to relieve a distressed soul.
Interpretation
The divine wisdom and guidance of God can be more comforting and effective than any human advice in times of distress.
This quote by John Flavel emphasizes the power of divine communication compared to human words. It suggests that in moments of trouble, the truths found in divine scripture or guidance can provide deeper relief and comfort to the soul than any amount of human counsel or discourse. The essence of the quote highlights the importance of seeking spiritual comfort over worldly advice, particularly when facing emotional or spiritual turmoil.
In practice
In a sermon about hope during difficult times, one might use this quote to encourage finding solace in faith.
All the tears of a penitent sinner, should he shed as many as there have fallen drops of rain, since the creation, to this day, cannot wash away one sin. The everLasting burnings in hell, cannot purify the flaming conscience, from the least sin.
All the dark, intricate, puzzling providences at which we were sometimes so offended...we shall [one day] see to be to us, as the difficult passage through the wilderness was to Israel, "the right way to the city of habitation".
Providence is like a curious piece of tapestry made of a thousand shreds, which, single, appear useless, but put together, they represent a beautiful history to the eye.
The carnal person fears man, not God. The strong Christian fears God, not man. The weak Christian fears man too much, and God too little.
Whatsoever we have over-loved, idolized, and leaned upon, God has from time to time broken it, and made us to see the vanity of it; so that we find the readiest course to be rid of our comforts is to set our hearts inordinately upon them.
It is the duty of the saints, especially in times of straights, to reflect upon the performances of Providence for them in all the states and through all the stages of their lives.
Be like the bluebird who never is blue, For he knows from his upbringing what singing can do
Do you often feel like parched ground, unable to produce anything worthwhile? I do. When I am in need of refreshment, it isn't easy to think of the needs of others. But I have found that if, instead of praying for my own comfort and satisfaction, I ask the Lord to enable me to give to others, an amazing thing often happens - I find my own needs wonderfully met. Refreshment comes in ways I would never have thought of, both for others, and then, incidentally, for myself.
I would construct and work along various lines until I found them untenable. When one theory was discarded, I developed another at once. I realized very early that this was the only possible way for me to work out all the problems.
A famously wise old man in a village was once asked how he came by his wisdom. "I got it from my good judgment," he answered. And where did his good judgment come from? "I got it from my bad judgment."
The most exquisite paradox; as soon as you give it all up, you can have it all.
I'm not cruel, sir, I won't shoot you in the guts, but I will make you realize how much you took your toes for granted.
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