Joseph B. Wirthlin Quotes

Powerful Joseph B. Wirthlin for Daily Growth

About Joseph B. Wirthlin

Joseph Beuszee Wirthlin (1917-2008) was an influential American writer, poet, and religious leader who left a lasting impact on countless readers with his profound and spiritually uplifting quotes. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Wirthlin grew up as the youngest of seven children in a devout Mormon family. His early life was marked by a deep love for the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), which played a significant role in shaping his worldview and spirituality. Wirthlin served as a missionary for the LDS Church from 1938 to 1940, during which time he honed his skills as a writer and public speaker. After returning home, he attended the University of Utah, where he earned a degree in business administration. Wirthlin worked in various business roles throughout his career but always found time for writing and serving within his church community. In 1964, Wirthlin was called to serve as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy (a general authority of the LDS Church). Over the next four decades, he devoted much of his energy to serving the global LDS Church in various capacities, including as a mission president, stake president, and regional representative. Throughout these years, Wirthlin continued to write and publish his poems and essays in church publications, as well as in books such as "Thoughts of a Disciple," "A Glimpse into Eternity," and "In the Strength of the Lord." Wirthlin's writings are characterized by their simplicity, depth, and spiritual insights. His quotes often focus on themes of faith, hope, charity, and personal growth, providing readers with a sense of peace and inspiration. One of his most famous quotes is, "Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves," which serves as a powerful reminder to approach life's challenges with both discernment and kindness. Wirthlin passed away in 2008 at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual wisdom that continues to touch hearts and uplift souls around the world. His enduring words serve as a testament to his unwavering faith and dedication to sharing timeless truths with others.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Be careful how you befriend a problem, for it may be a dragon you're courting."

This quote suggests that one should approach problems with caution, as they might be dealing with something much more complex or difficult than initially perceived - a "dragon" in disguise. It's a reminder to not underestimate the challenges we face and to prepare ourselves accordingly before diving into solving them.


"We are not one thing; we are many things, and each of those things is potentially a source of strength."

This quote suggests that every individual possesses a multiplicity of traits, skills, and experiences which can serve as strengths when harnessed and applied appropriately. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing our diverse aspects, rather than reducing ourselves to a single identity or ability. By acknowledging and utilizing these multiple sources of strength, we enhance our personal growth, resilience, and overall potential for success in life.


"The most important single thing to remember about any task is this: It's never as big or as terrible or as time-consuming as it first appears."

This quote by Joseph B. Wirthlin emphasizes the tendency of humans to perceive tasks as overwhelming at their outset, often leading to procrastination. However, upon beginning a task, people usually find that it is more manageable than initially imagined, thus encouraging individuals to take the first step and tackle challenges with confidence.


"Make every effort to be a little kinder than is necessary—every chance you get."

This quote emphasizes the importance of extending kindness beyond what is expected or required in our daily interactions with others. By being kinder than necessary, we create an atmosphere of understanding, empathy, and compassion that transcends simple politeness. This act fosters stronger connections and improves relationships, making our world a little bit better one interaction at a time. It encourages us to consciously consider the feelings and needs of others, to look beyond ourselves and strive for positivity in every situation. Essentially, it's about being intentionally kind, going the extra mile to spread love and light where we are.


"It takes but one positive thought when given a chance to grow, to overshadow thousands of negative thoughts."

This quote emphasizes that even in difficult or challenging times, a single positive thought can have a profound impact. Negative thoughts may come in abundance, but just one positive thought, if nurtured, has the power to overpower them and change one's perspective significantly. It suggests that maintaining a positive outlook can help us overcome adversity and bring about hope and optimism.


Though our trials are diverse, there is one thing the Lord expects of us no matter our difficulties and sorrows: He expects us to press on.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Matter, Lord, One Thing, Though

I give thanks to my Creator for this wonderful life where each of us has the opportunity to learn lessons we could not fully comprehend by any other means.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Thanksgiving, Comprehend, Creator

Perfection is worth striving for, even if it is ultimately unattainable in this life.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Unattainable, Even, Striving

In spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser and happier as a result.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Adversity, Discouragement, Spite

In some respects, progressing through life is like running a marathon.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Through, Running, Some, Marathon

The light from the sun breaks through space, bathing our planet as it encircles the sun with life-giving warmth and light. Without the sun, there could be no life on this planet; it would be forever barren, cold, and dark.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Through, Breaks, Planet, Warmth

The Lord, Jesus Christ, is our perfect example of patience.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Christ, Jesus, Lord Jesus, Perfect Example

A worldwide web of electronic connections now moves data at ever-increasing speed and volume along what we call the information superhighway.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Speed, Data, Volume, Worldwide

Men and women who decide to flirt with adultery just once can become enmeshed in misery and unhappiness for themselves and their precious families.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Precious, Misery, Adultery, Unhappiness

Inordinate desire for material possessions can become an obsession that consumes our thoughts, drains our resources, and leads to unhappiness.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Thoughts, Desire, Drains, Unhappiness

A certain amount of impatience may be useful to stimulate and motivate us to action. However, I believe that a lack of patience is a major cause of the difficulties and unhappiness in the world today.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

May, However, Amount, Unhappiness

Some have been ensnared in the net of excessive debt. The net of interest holds them fast, requiring them to sell their time and energies to meet the demands of creditors. They surrender their freedom, becoming slaves to their own extravagance.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Some, Been, Slaves, Extravagance

Much of the Netherlands lies considerably below sea level, as you well know. Through the process of building dikes to wall out the salty sea and through pumping the water into canals, the country of the ingenious, resourceful, and doughty Dutch has literally been born of the sea.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Country, Through, Ingenious, Salty

The notion that you can endanger your physical and mental health by letting strong passions go unsatisfied is a vicious falsehood.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Health, Strong, Go, Vicious

Priesthood quorums teach and assist their members to attain good health, financial stability, and a year's supply of food and clothing. They also teach their members to be self-reliant and to give their time, talents, and means in behalf of the Church, community, and needy.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Financial, Year, Priesthood, Clothing

When we are baptized and confirmed, when brethren are ordained to the priesthood, when we go to the temple and receive our endowment, when we enter into the new and everlasting covenant of eternal marriage - in all these sacred ordinances, we make solemn commitments to keep God's commandments.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Covenant, Confirmed, Our, Priesthood

The gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the right to receive the Holy Ghost as a constant companion, is obtained only upon condition of faith in Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, and the laying on of hands by authorized servants endowed with the Melchizedek Priesthood.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Gift, Hands, Constant, Priesthood

Priesthood lessons are regularly devoted to topics of family leadership, and quorum leaders everywhere are feeling more and more their responsibility to teach and train their quorum members to be better husbands and fathers.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Devoted, Fathers, Topics, Priesthood

Lying, stealing, and cheating are commonplace.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Lying, Stealing, Commonplace, Cheating

In the first century A.D., members of the growing Church in Corinth were enthusiastic about the gospel. Almost all were recent converts to the Church. Many were attracted to it through the preaching of the Apostle Paul and others.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Through, Almost All, Almost, Converts

There has always been discouragement, negativism, and temptation in the world because of Lucifer.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Always, Been, Discouragement, Temptation

My parents taught me to react quickly when temptation comes and to say 'No!' instantly and emphatically. I recommend that same counsel to you. Avoid temptations.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

React, Quickly, Counsel, Temptation

Honesty is of God and dishonesty of the devil; the devil was a liar from the beginning.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Honesty, Beginning, Devil, Dishonesty

To be without guile is to be free of deceit, cunning, hypocrisy, and dishonesty in thought or action.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Thought, Hypocrisy, Cunning, Dishonesty

To me, integrity means always doing what is right and good, regardless of the immediate consequences. It means being righteous from the very depth of our soul, not only in our actions but, more importantly, in our thoughts and in our hearts.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Always, Very, Means, Depth

I love the German and the Swiss people for their many fine traits of character. I love their language that is so exacting and yet so expressive.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Love, German, Traits, Exacting

The next time you're tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Will, Next, Lives, Extend

Giant oak trees... have deep root systems that can extend two-and-one-half times their height. Such trees rarely are blown down regardless of how violent the storms may be.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Nature, Deep, Violent, Extend

The birth of the Savior into mortality is an event of immeasurable significance that occurred almost 2,000 years ago. In much of the world, calendar years are numbered forward and backward from the entire time of His birth.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Almost, Entire, Entire Time, Numbered

The Lord is well aware of our mortality. He knows our weaknesses. He understands the challenges of our everyday lives. He has great empathy for the temptations of earthly appetites and passions.

- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Empathy, Everyday Lives, Earthly

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