I'd rather see a sermon
Than hear one any day:
I'd rather you would walk with me
Than merely tell the way.
The eye's a better pupil
And more willing than the ear;
Fine council is confusing,
But example's always clear.
The best of all the preachers
Are men who live their creed,
For to see good put into action,
Is what everyone needs.
I can soon learn how to do it,
If you let me see it done,
I can catch 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 lesson
By observing what you do.
For I may misunderstand you
In the high advice you give,
But there is no misunderstanding
How you act and how you live.
When I see an act of kindness,
I am eager to be kind;
When a weaker brother stumbles,
And a stronger stays behind.
Just to see if I can help him,
Then the wish grows strong in me,
To be 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 that tells them,
But the one that shows the way.
