I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I’d rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.
I soon can learn to do it if you’ll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give,
But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.
When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.
When a weaker brother stumbles and a strong man stays behind
Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me
To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be.
And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today
Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.
One good man teaches many, men believe what they behold;
One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that are told.
Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,
For right living speaks a language which to every one is clear.
Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say,
I’d rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day.
Author: Edgar Guest
Edgar Guest (1881-1959) was an American poet renowned for his accessible, uplifting, and often sentimental verse. Born in England and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Guest began his career as a newspaper reporter before turning to poetry full-time.
His poems often dealt with everyday themes and experiences, such as family, friendship, and hard work. Guest’s verse was characterized by its simplicity, its use of rhyme and meter, and its optimistic tone.
He was particularly known for his ability to write poems that resonated with a wide audience, and his work was often published in newspapers and magazines.
Guest’s reputation as a poet of inspiration and hope was solidified during the Great Depression, when his poems offered comfort and encouragement to many Americans facing hardship. His work continues to be popular today, and his legacy as a beloved and accessible poet endures.
