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.
Correcting oneself is correcting the whole world. The Sun is simply bright. It does not correct anyone. Because it shines, the whole world is full of light. Transforming yourself is a means of giving light to the whole world.
Nothing is harder than to accept oneself.
And I'll know my song well before I start singing
Additional problems are the offspring of poor solutions.
It is far better to do the right thing wrong than to do the wrong thing right.
All progress is based upon a universal innate desire on the part of every organism to live beyond its income.
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