You never know when a moment and a few sincere words can have an

Hear the words of Zig Ziglar, the great teacher of encouragement, who said: “You never know when a moment and a few sincere words can have an impact on a life.” These words, though simple, are mighty, for they remind us of the hidden power that lies in every breath we take, every word we speak, every gesture we offer to another. For no man sees the full depth of his influence, and no woman knows the unseen waves her kindness may stir in another’s soul.

The ancients knew this mystery. A single word of hope, a single act of grace, could alter the destiny of empires. When Alexander the Great spared the family of Darius after conquest, he planted the seed of loyalty that softened the hearts of enemies. When the teacher Socrates spoke to young Plato beneath the Athenian sky, he kindled a flame that would burn through centuries of philosophy. What were these but moments, brief in time yet eternal in consequence? What were these but sincere words whose impact reshaped the world?

Consider the story of Abraham Lincoln in his youth. A poor boy working in obscurity, he was once praised for his honesty after walking miles to return a few forgotten coins. The storekeeper’s words of admiration struck him deeply, giving him a reputation that followed him through life. That moment of recognition and those sincere words nourished a spirit of integrity that would one day guide a nation through civil war. From this we see the truth of Ziglar’s wisdom: one cannot measure how far the ripples of small kindness may travel.

The meaning of his words is also a warning. Just as sincere words can uplift, careless words can wound and destroy. A cruel insult, cast thoughtlessly, can linger in the heart for decades, shaping a person’s sense of worth. Many have carried burdens not from swords or chains, but from words spoken in haste. Therefore, the power of the tongue must be wielded with reverence, as one wields fire: to warm, to light, and to heal, not to scorch or consume.

The lesson, then, is clear: treasure every moment as sacred, for within it lies the power to change another’s life. Do not wait for grand occasions or speeches to practice kindness. It is in the quiet encouragement to a friend, the acknowledgment of a stranger, the gentle correction given with love, that true greatness is sown. For often, what seems small to you may be life-changing to another.

What then shall we do? Let us be deliberate with our words. Let us speak with sincerity, not flattery. Let us encourage the weary, honor the forgotten, and guide the young with truth and gentleness. Let us pause before we wound, and let us act swiftly when an opportunity to uplift presents itself. Every meeting, every conversation, is an altar where we may either bless or curse. Choose always to bless.

Therefore, O listener, remember this timeless truth: “You never know when a moment and a few sincere words can have an impact on a life.” Live as though each moment were a seed, and each word a drop of water. Sow generously, speak kindly, and let your influence be a stream of life for those around you. For in this way, your briefest words will echo beyond your days, shaping lives unseen, and leaving behind a legacy of love.