When God's hand is on thy back, let thy hand be on thy mouth, for though the affliction be sharp it shall be but short.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that during difficult times, one should exercise restraint in speech, as the hardships will be temporary.
Thomas Brooks conveys the idea that when one is under divine protection or guidance, it is wise to remain silent, especially in times of adversity. The afflictions one faces may be intense, but they will not last forever. This promotes the notion of patience and wisdom in caring for one's words while trusting in a higher power.
In practice
During a challenging presentation, remembering this quote can help keep calm and stay composed.
Remember this-all the sighing, mourning, sobbing, and complaining in the world, does not so undeniably evidence a man to be humble, as his overlooking his own righteousness, and living really and purely upon the righteousness of Christ.
Grace and glory differ very little; the one is the seed, the other is the flower; grace is glory militant, glory is grace triumphant.
He is the best preacher, not that tickles the ear, but that breaks the heart.
Ah! sinner, remember this, there is no way on earth effectually to be rid of the guilt, filth, and power of sin, but by believing in a Saviour. It is not resolving, it is not complaining, it is not mourning, but believing, that will make thee divinely victorious over that body of sin that to this day is too strong for thee, and that will certainly be thy ruin, if it be not ruined by a hand of faith.
Self is the only oil that makes the chariot-wheels of the hypocrite move in all religious concerns.
Humility can weep over other men's weaknesses, and joy and rejoice over their graces.
There's no such thing as a painless lesson. They just don't exist. Sacrifices are necessary. You can't gain anything without losing something first although if you can endure that pain and walk away from it, you'll find that you now have a heart strong enough to overcome any obstacle. Yeah, a heart made fullmetal.
No one in this world, so far as I know - and I have searched the records for years, and employed agents to help me - has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people.
Revenge is sweeter than life itself. So think fools.
I am a patient listener, but opinionated to the point of stubbornness when my mind is made up.
Your most precious, valued possessions and your greatest powers are invisible and intangible. No one can take them. You, and you alone, can give them. You will receive abundance for your giving.
May we do good everywhere as we have opportunity, and results will not be wanting!
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.