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What is the closest body of water to you? Is it a lake, a river, or an ocean? Picture it in your mind. In the case of a river or a lake, you may be able to see the opposite side, but if it is an ocean, it may seem endless. No matter what you are picturing, the amount of water in these bodies is immense. And if it were all given to just one person, it would essentially be limitless.

This is the image Proverbs 18:4 calls to mind. The proverb compares your words to the almost limitless depths of an ocean, sea, or well. Think about that in terms of how you encourage others. Because you have no limit on the kind words you can give people, there's an endless supply of ways to encourage them.

You may often think you are limited in generosity because you lack resources. This was true of people who have followed God throughout history and is one of the reasons that this proverb draws attention to your words. They are endless. Your encouragement is a free, unlimited resource. You can give it away any time you want.

Encouraging words can help sustain and push people in good and hard times, and they are free. You have no idea how far your encouragement can go, and you have an infinite supply that costs you nothing to give away.

So what is stopping you? Be generous with your encouragement.