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.
The free exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world.
The Master observes the world, but trusts his inner vision. He allows things to come and go. His heart is as open as the sky.
Reason sits firm and holds the reins, and she will not let the feelings burst away and hurry her to wild chasms. The passions may rage furiously, like true heathens, as they are; and the desires may imagine all sorts of vain things: but judgment shall still have the last word in every argument, and the casting vote in every decision. Strong wind, earthquake-shock, and fire may pass by: but I shall follow the guiding of that still small voice which interprets the dictates of conscience.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Giving is the secret of abundance.
Put least trust in him who is foremost to praise you, nor judge of a road till it draw to the end.
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