A Smile Costs Nothing, But Gives Much

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A Smile costs nothing

A Smile costs nothing, but gives much.

It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give.

It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.

None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it, and none is so poor, but that he can be made rich by it.

A Smile creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the countersign of friendship.

It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is nature’s best antidote for trouble.

Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone, until it is given away.

Some people are too tired to give you a smile;

Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.

Related christian articles for further reading:

For The Giver God Will BlessPoem : For The Giver God Will Bless Before I was a Mom My hour has not yet comeMy Hour Has Not Yet Come St. Damien of Molokai – Kamiano

4 thoughts on “A Smile Costs Nothing, But Gives Much”

  1. I handcopied this poem in my diary on Jan 4, 1975, and till today I’m still re-reading it. Since I did not write down the author’s name, I did a Google search and found the poem in poemhunter web site, with the author given as Dr Genny Anderson and the date as 1979. Strange.

  2. I received a copy of this poem sometime in 1974 or 1975 also from my ex-wife who received a copy from other teachers in the State of Hawaii Department of Education with the author as “Anonymous.” It also did not come with the current title. It came with just “A SMILE.” I have been using it for many many years since, and giving copies of it to encourage many children to senior citizens.

    I have always used “Anonymous 1970’s USA” for giving credit. I do not want to deny any copyright, but need to know if I MUST now give credit to the above named?

    I have already printed this poem in many forms and may still do so.

  3. “A Smile” is on page 17 of The Joy of Words, published by J.G. Ferguson Publishing Company (Chicago) in 1960. According to this publication, the author is unknown.

  4. Dear,Friend.
    this mao I very Appreciate to you.
    I already type save your picture of Christs wallpaper.I need to try to slide picture with
    music.I never do before but I want to try.
    Thanks for Lord prayse to you.
    Thankyou Jesus love you.
    Prayer the Lord.
    mao.

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