The Power of a Smile: Why Kindness Matters More Than Money

In Jacob’s blessing to Judah, the verse says: “His eyes are brighter than wine, and his teeth whiter than milk.” The Talmud explains this in a striking way. The Jewish people say to God: “Illuminate us with Your countenance, and it is better for us than wine. Show us Your teeth — meaning, smile upon us — and it is better than milk.”

From here, the Sages derive that offering someone a warm, friendly smile is even greater than giving them milk to drink.

A simple smile can revive a person more than a refreshing drink on a hot day, and warm a heart more than a strong drink on a cold night. As the saying goes, a smile costs nothing but is worth a fortune.

Encouragement vs. Money

The Talmud teaches that one who gives a coin to a poor person is blessed with six blessings, but one who comforts and encourages them with kind words is blessed with eleven.

The commentators explain that even if a person gives nothing material, but lifts another’s spirit through words and warmth, the reward is greater. Why? Because money sustains the body, but kindness and encouragement sustain the soul. And it is well known that happiness is more valuable than wealth.

We have all seen it happen. A person walks around feeling low, burdened, and discouraged. Then someone approaches, offers a compliment, or says a kind word. In a moment, their entire mood shifts. The same person who felt broken just moments earlier suddenly feels uplifted and renewed.

A Lesson from a Great Rabbi

One day during the intermediate days of Passover, the great sage Rabbi Ezra Attiya sat with his students, engaged in lively Torah discussion. The room was full, filled with the sounds of learning and debate.

Suddenly, a simple man entered. His appearance suggested a difficult life, one that had not been kind to him. To the surprise of everyone, the head of the yeshiva stood up in his honor, approached him warmly, greeted him with a smile, took his hand, and seated him respectfully.

The man’s face lit up with a special glow. He held onto the rabbi’s hand, clearly moved, while the students looked on in confusion. Who was this person, and why was he receiving such honor?

After the man left, the students asked their teacher.

“He is a person who has suffered greatly,” the rabbi explained. “There are people for whom the mitzvah is to give a coin. And there are people for whom the mitzvah is to give honor. That too is charity.”

Not all kindness comes in the form of money. Sometimes, the greatest gift you can give someone is dignity, warmth, and a sense that they matter.

And unlike money, this kind of giving is always within reach.