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
I would rather speak the truth to ten men than blandishments and lying to a million. Try it, ye who think there is nothing in it! Try what it is to speak with God behind you, to speak so as to be only the arrow in the bow which the Almighty draws.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Valuing truth over flattery or falsehood, regardless of the audience size.
In this quote, Henry Ward Beecher emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in communication. He suggests that speaking the truth, even if heard by only a few, is far more significant and purposeful than delivering insincere words to a vast audience. Beecher also highlights the spiritual strength that comes from aligning one’s speech with divine truth.
Themes
TruthHonestyIntegrityCommunicationWisdomFaith
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a speech on ethics and integrity.
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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