Preaching vs. Practice
The poem explores the contrast between preaching and practice, highlighting the hypocrisy of those who advocate for moral virtues but fail to embody them in their own lives. It critiques the tendency to prioritize eloquent words over genuine actions, emphasizing that true character is revealed through deeds rather than speeches. The speaker argues that it is not what one says, but rather what one does, that truly matters.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1915 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Social Commentary · 218 words
First lines
It is easy to sit in the sunshine And talk to the man in the shade; It is easy to float in a well-trimmed boat, And point out the places to wade.
But once we pass into the shadows, We murmur and fret and frown, And, our length from the bank, we shout for a plank, Or throw up our hands and go down.
It is easy to sit in your carriage, And counsel the man on foot, But get down and walk, and you'll change your talk, As you feel the peg in your boot.
It is easy to tell the toiler How best he can carry his pack, But no one can rate a burden's weight Until it has been on his back.
What this Textopian page supports
Preaching vs. Practice is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1915 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1915 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Social Commentary, Inspirational
- Length: 218 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Preaching vs. Practice by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Preaching vs. Practice?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Human Sacrifice by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Preacher by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Creed by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Angel Of Patience by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Thy Will Be Done by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Ego by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form with a rhythmic and rhyming structure.
- Philosophical — The themes explore the contrast between theory and practice, and the human tendency to judge others without experiencing their struggles.
- Social Commentary — The content critiques societal behaviors and attitudes, particularly the ease of giving advice without understanding the recipient's situation.
- Inspirational — The work encourages empathy and understanding by highlighting the difference between talking about challenges and experiencing them.
Tags
Philosophy · Poetry · Social Commentary · Morality · Ethics · Religion · Spirituality · Hypocrisy · Critique · Societal Issues · Human Nature · Psychology