The true secret of giving advice is, after you have honestly given it, to be perfectly indifferent whether it is taken or not, and never persist in trying to set people right.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
The test of Christian character should be that a man is a joy-bearing agent to the world.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True character is shown by how much joy one brings to others around them.
This quote emphasizes that the essence of a person's character, especially in a Christian context, can be measured by their ability to spread joy and positivity in the lives of others. It suggests that a person's true worth is reflected in their actions and the happiness they produce within their community and the world at large.
Themes
CharacterJoyPositivityAgentCommunity
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about community service, one might say, 'The test of Christian character should be that a man is a joy-bearing agent to the world.'
More from Henry Ward Beecher
All quotes →A man who cannot get angry is like a stream that cannot overflow, that is always turbid. Sometimes indignation is as good as a thunderstorm in summer, clearing and cooling the air.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
No one can deal with the hearts of men unless he has the sympathy which is given by love.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
We are always on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
No man can tell if he is rich or poor by turning to his ledger. It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
There are joys which long to be ours. God sends ten thousands truths, which come about us like birds seeking inlet; but we are shut up to them, and so they bring us nothing, but sit and sing awhile upon the roof, and then fly away.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
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