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William Arthur Ward Poems
William Arthur Ward has inspired millions with his poems for many years. Let these encouraging poems inspire reflection, offer hope, and inspire you to share them with others.
His writings have been published by many, including Reader's Digest, and many Christian publications. He authored many inspirational books, including Thoughts Of A Christian Optimist, For This One Hour, Miracles That I Have Seen, and Rewarding Moments: A Treasury of Prose and Poetry, to name only a few. Born on December 17, 1921, in Louisiana, Mr. Ward graduated from McMurray College and received his master's degree at Oklahoma State University.
He died on March 30, 1994, but his work continues to inspire people around the world.
Updated July 9, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
One Day
Poet: William Arthur Ward
Each of us will one day be judged
By our standard of life -
Not by our standard of living;
By our measure of giving -
Not by our measure of wealth,
By our simple goodness -
Not by our seeming greatness.
Be Grateful
by William Arthur Ward
If the life of a river depended
Only on the rain that falls within the
Confines of its own banks,
It would soon be dry.
If the life of an
Individual depended
Solely on his own resources,
He would soon fall.
Be grateful for your tributaries.
More Than
Poet: William Arthur Ward
I am more than happy;
I am joyful.
I am more than healthy;
I am whole.
I am more than alive;
I am radiant.
I am more than successful;
I am free.
I am more than caring;
I am loving.
I am more than tranquil;
I am peaceful.
I am more than interested;
I am involved.
I am more than adequate;
I am triumphant.
I am more than fortunate;
I am prosperous.
I am more than human;
I am a child of God.
A Pinch Of Praise
by William Arthur Ward
A pinch of praise is worth
a pound of scorn.
A dash of encouragement is more helpful than
a dipper of pessimism.
A cup of kindness is better than
a cupboard of criticism.
Forgiveness Is
by William Arthur Ward
Forgiveness is the key that
Unlocks the door of resentment
And the handcuffs of hate.
It is a power that breaks the chains
Of bitterness and
The shackles of selfishness.
Do More
Poet: William Arthur Ward
Do more than belong: participate.
Do more than care: help.
Do more than believe: practice.
Do more than be fair: be kind.
Do more than forgive: forget.
Do more than dream: work.
Do more than teach; inspire.
Do more than earn; enrich.
Do more than give; serve.
Do more than live; grow.
Do more than suffer; triumph.
Mistakes
Poet: William Arthur Ward
The mistakes to avoid:
Remorse over yesterday's failures.
Anxiety over today's problems.
Worry over tomorrow's uncertainty.
Waste of the moment's opportunity.
Procrastination with one's present duty.
Resentment of another's success.
Criticism of a neighbor's imperfection.
Impatience with youth's immaturity.
Skepticism of our nation's future.
Unbelief in God's providence.
Wise Is
by William Arthur Ward
Wise is the person
Who profits from the mistakes of the past,
Recognizes the opportunities of the present,
And anticipates the challenges of the future.
The wise person feels
A kinship with antiquity,
A friendship with infancy,
And a fellowship with infinity.
Brighten Your Corner
by William Arthur Ward
Brighten your corner with Gratitude;
it is the candle of contentment.
Brighten your corner with Kindness;
it is the flame of friendship.
Brighten your corner with Cheerfulness;
it is the light of good will.
Brighten your corner with Joy;
it is the window to health.
Brighten your corner with Humor;
it is the sunshine of the soul.
Brighten your corner with Faith;
it is the door to discovery.
Brighten your corner with Generosity;
it is the portrait of character.
Brighten your corner with Enthusiasm;
it is the torch of achievement.
Brighten your corner with Work;
it is the lantern of success.
Brighten your corner with Patience;
it is the reflection of maturity.
Brighten your corner with Love;
it is the power of Brotherhood.
Brighten your corner with Prayer;
it is the lamp of understanding.
Start The Day
by William Arthur Ward
To start the day with a prayer
is to fill the day with song.
A healthy outlook is one of the benefits
that comes from the exercise of prayer.
Prayer is an action, not an act;
an attitude, not a ritual.
Prayer changes our attention
from the problem to the Power;
from anxiety to the Almighty.
Some knees bend only under
the load of a heavy heart;
some eyes are opened only after
the head is bowed.
Prayer at its best is a grateful day opener,
A beautiful day brightener,
And a joyful closer.
A Preacher Is...
by William Arthur Ward
A preacher is a person who
perceives parables in problems,
poetry in patience,
sermons in sunsets,
symphonies in snowflakes,
stories in smiles,
miracles in meadows,
messages in mountains,
fables in flowers,
lessons in leaves,
legends in laughter,
truth in trees,
wonder in water falls,
wisdom in windows,
greatness in gratitude,
grandeur in grasses,
goodness in gardens,
beauty in bridges,
inspirational in icicles,
crosses in crises,
and reverence in rainbows.
Truth
by William Arthur Ward
Truth, like fire,
Can comfort or consume,
Serve or sear, delight or destroy.
Used with imagination,
It is a torch that lights the way;
Used with compassion,
It is an ember that warms the heart;
Used with courage,
It is a spark that ignites reform;
Used with wisdom,
It is a flame that illumines the darkness;
Used with abandon,
It is a plaything that scorches a friend.
For This One Hour
Poet: William Arthur Ward
For This One Hour I can be grateful.
I can thank God for life itself, for opportunities,
For friends, and for a hundred other blessings and
Privileges to be counted, cherished, and enjoyed.
Read the complete poem
For This One Hour
While Others
Poet: William Arthur Ward
Believe while others are doubting.
Plan while others are playing.
Study while others are sleeping.
Decide while others are delaying.
Read the complete poem
While Others
If I Can
Poet: William Arthur Ward
If I can write one verse of truth today
Or give my fellow man a song to sing;
If I can push one needless cloud away
And help men live as children of the King:
Read the complete poem
If I Can
The Golden Rule
Poet: William Arthur Ward
I asked three men this question yesterday:
"What does the Golden Rule mean most to you?"
One could not hear what each man had to say
Without becoming filled with faith anew.
Read the complete poem
The Golden Rule
Transform The Common Task
Poet: William Arthur Ward
Do you seek nobility?
Do you want your work to last?
Using your ability
Just transform the common task.
Read the complete poem
Transform The Common Task
The Choices
Poet: William Arthur Ward
The choices we make each day of the week,
The paths that we take, the goals that we seek,
The kind of persons one day we will be
Is daily determined by you and me.
Read the complete poem
The Choices
Prayer Can ...
by William Arthur Ward
Prayer can make our week days strong,
Our trying days triumphant,
Our sabbath days sacred,
And our holidays wholesome.
Read the complete poem
Prayer Can
Service To Others
by William Arthur Ward
The climate of our days is influenced
More by the condition of our temperament
Than by our surroundings;
More by the humility in our heart
Read the complete poem
Service To Others
Christmas Is More Than
by William Arthur Ward
Christmas is more than a time of music, merriment, and mirth;
It is a season of meditation, mangers, and miracles.
Christmas is more than a time of gaiety, greenery, and gifts;
It is a season of wonder, worship, and wise men.
Read the complete poem
Christmas Is and Can Be
With God
by William Arthur Ward
With God,
No mountain is too high
to keep you from climbing it...
No goal is too great
to keep you from reaching it...
Read the complete poem
With God
Pessimist or Optimist
by William Arthur Ward
The pessimist finds fault;
The optimist discovers a remedy.
The pessimist seeks sympathy;
The optimist spreads cheer.
Read the complete poem
Pessimist or Optimist
Popular Pages
If William Arthur Ward's poems encouraged you, these collections offer more inspiring words about gratitude, hope, kindness, and living a meaningful life.
Explore our Poems About Life for encouraging verses that offer wisdom, hope, and inspiration for every stage of life's journey.
Read our Gratitude Poems to celebrate thankfulness and the many blessings that brighten each day.
Find hope and renewed strength in our collection of Poems of Encouragement.
Discover uplifting Positive Messages that inspire optimism and remind you to keep looking forward.
Read our Giving Poems that celebrate generosity, kindness, and serving others with a willing heart.
Conclusion
William Arthur Ward’s words remind us that life is not measured by what we have, but by how we live, give, and grow. His poems speak with simplicity while carrying a depth that encourages reflection and action. As you read and revisit these verses, may they inspire you to choose kindness, practice gratitude, and live each day with purpose. Often, it is the smallest choices that leave the greatest impact.
More Famous Poets to Encourage and Inspire
"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires."