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 merit of originality is not novelty; it is sincerity. The believing man is the original man; whatsoever he believes, he believes it for himself, not for another.
Whatever is done without ostentation, and without the people being witnesses of it, is, in my opinion, most praiseworthy: not that the public eye should be entirely avoided, for good actions desire to be placed in the light; but notwithstanding this, the greatest theater for virtue is conscience.
Each of us at any time and space is doing the very best we can with what we have.
Pride deafens us to the advice or warnings of those around us.
Only by self-respect will you compel others to respect you.
Can you gather your vital breath and yet be tender like a newborn baby?
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