76 Be An Example Quotes

A collection of be an example quotes. May they inspire you to be an example to others; to lead by example; set an example that others will want to follow.

Updated April 29, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.

There are examples of demonstrated courage, and doing what is right not just applicable for other people but for their own actions; there are examples of taking responsibility for your own actions rather than finding excuses or blaming problems for one's shortcomings. The clearest message here is that a person should lead by example so that the specific behavior, attitude or action speaks louder than words. We hope that these example quotes will be used not only for personal inspiration but also form the subject of discussion for families, friends, and colleagues.

Be An Example Through Your Actions

Our actions often teach more clearly than our words ever could.

"Example is the school of mankind, and they will learn at no other."
Edmund Burke

"Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it's the only thing."
Albert Schweitzer

An ounce of demonstration is worth a ton of theory.
Rudyard Kipling

Your best example is not your words, but your actions. So speak but then put actions behind those words.

Preach Less, Practice More
Unknown, More or Less

"Everyone is bound to bear patiently the results of his own example."
Phaedrus

Be An Example To Children

Children learn from what they see us do each day.

Every father should remember that his son will follow his example instead of his advice.
C. Kettering

Be an example to children by planting a garden; it teaches them how to care for something and how to have patience!
Catherine Pulsifer

Christmas gift suggestions....to every child, a good example.
Oren Arnold

Since parents are the role model, you'll hear your child speak to his sister or brother using your words and tone of voice.
Laura Markham

We should seek good examples to our children lay.
J. J. Thorne

"Be the hero of your children's story. Never let them believe for a minute that honor, courage and doing what is right is only reserved for other fathers and mothers."
Shannon L. Alder

Our kids look up to you they watch what you do. An example you show of a good father, you know.
Catherine Pulsifer, I'll Love You Forever

Family As An Example

The example set by family can guide us for a lifetime.

They set an example to for me - I now know what a grandparent should be!
Catherine Pulsifer, An Example

Grandpa.. set an example on how to live, to do good and always give.
Catherine Pulsifer, An Example

When I get as old as you I hope to be just like you. You're an example of a fine man.
Catherine Pulsifer, Worth More Than Gold

Thank you for the patience you had with me - you are an example of what a family should be.
Catherine Pulsifer, Into Our Life

Friendship And Being An Example

True friendships are built when we live out the qualities we value.

If you want to develop close friendships, you need to be an example of the type of friend you want.
Mary S. Scotsburn

You're an example of what a best friend should be sincere, honest and a bit crazy!
Catherine Pulsifer, Best Friends We Will Be

Friends like you are far and few. You're an example of a friend that is true.
Catherine Pulsifer, I Appreciate You

To be a friend a man should strive to lift people up, not cast them down, to encourage, not discourage; to set an example that will be an inspiration to others.
Wilferd Peterson, You My Friend

Leadership And Influence

Those who lead understand that their actions shape the path for others.

"Example is more forcible than precept. People look at my six days in the week to see what I mean on the seventh."
Rev. R. Cecil

Your life is a personal lesson. For everyone else it is a loud example.
Richelle E. Goodrich, Making Wishes

You are an example for others too. You put others first, those who have it a lot worst.
Catherine Pulsifer, A Privilege

Lead by examples and create opportunities for those who follow you!
Israelmore Ayivor, Mine Your Gold

...your own managerial style and ways to establish a motivating environment is fostered by a manager who is positive and supportive, sets a good example, clarifies expectations, and is flexible in the face of change.
Harriet Diamond

Faith And Spiritual Examples

Faith is often best shared through how we live and treat others.

Jesus demonstrated the importance of prayer by His own example. His whole ministry was saturated with prayer.
Billy Graham

Follow Jesus example, and love one another - be a light in the world, like no other.
Catherine Pulsifer, Keep Your Eyes

According to the New Testament, God wills that the church be a people who show what God is like.
Stanley Grenz

Throughout the Bible, there are examples of how God shows He cared.
Catherine Pulsifer

Kindness And Character

Kindness and character are revealed through consistent actions.

"Kindness is universal. Sometimes being kind allows others to see the goodness in humanity through you. Always be kinder than necessary."
Germany Kent

Let your life be one of positivity and being happy, your example will cause people to examine their lives.
Catherine Pulsifer

So no matter what your status in life do not treat others with strife.
Catherine Pulsifer, Respect Is

Thank God for the man who is cheerful...his life is a beautiful sermon.
Unknown, The Man Who Is Cheerful

...sometimes old-fashioned things are best ... Old-fashioned folks that practice what they preach.
J. A. Edgerton

Influence Through Everyday Actions

Even small actions can have a lasting impact on others.

It's like the eyes of the world, they observe - children, people watching us, and those that we serve.
Catherine Pulsifer, Eyes Of The World

How you act, what you do today is a living legacy on display.
Catherine Pulsifer, Living Legacy

What you say, how you say it, actions you take or don't take. All of these influence others.
Catherine Pulsifer

The climate of our days is influenced more by the example we set than by the breaks we get.
William Arthur Ward

You will look back with wonder at the influence for good your quiet example and cheerful spirit have been.
Unknown, The Legacy Of Life

Encouragement And Personal Growth

Learning from others can inspire us to grow and become better.

If others can achieve an aim, though goings now and then are tough, you too can win at this great game, because you've got the selfsame stuff.
Unknown, Don't Give Up

It is possible to discover a lot about success and self confidence by seeing powerful and self conscious men and women and doing exactly what they perform.
John James Davies

For inspiring me when I needed it, I thank you. You are a role model in all you do.
Catherine Pulsifer, I Never Said It Enough

There are people in our lives who are shining examples of how we should live.
Catherine Pulsifer

There are people who impact our life - people who help us deal with strife - people who are an example to follow.
Catherine Pulsifer, There Are People

Actions Versus Words

What we do always speaks louder than what we say.

"He that gives good advice, builds with one hand; he that gives good counsel and example, builds with both; but he that gives good admonition and bad example, builds with one hand and pulls down with the other."
Francis Bacon

In school you teach us not to fight with others... but I challenge you, please, to make your actions reflect your words.
Severn Cullis-Suzuki

...it doesn't mean that much to me if I'm not a good person at the end of the day, if I'm not setting a good example for other people to be better to each other.
Rose Namajunas

"Don't chase people. Be an example. Attract them. Work hard and be yourself."
Genereux Philip

Conclusion

These quotes remind us that our lives are always speaking, even when we are silent. It is not the words we say that leave the greatest mark, but the actions we take each day. When we choose to act with kindness, honesty, and purpose, we become an example that others can follow.

No matter your role in life, you have the opportunity to influence others in a positive way. Start with small actions, stay true to your values, and be consistent in how you live. In time, you will see that your example can encourage, inspire, and make a lasting difference.

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