The Power of a Kind Word: Why Encouragement Is a Form of Charity

“Rabbi Yitzchak said: Anyone who gives a coin to a poor person is blessed with six blessings, while one who comforts him with words is blessed with eleven blessings” (Bava Batra 9a).

Our Sages teach us in Tractate Bava Batra that financial assistance is important, but a kind word, empathy, and emotional encouragement can be even more precious and meaningful.

This teaching is derived from verses in Isaiah, Chapter 58, which address the true meaning of charity and kindness: “Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and to bring the poor who are cast out into your home? When you see the naked, clothe him, and do not hide yourself from your own flesh.”

According to the Talmud, one who gives charity to a poor person merits six blessings:

“Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall quickly spring forth; your righteousness shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall gather you in. Then you shall call and the Lord shall answer; you shall cry, and He shall say, ‘Here I am.’”

The passage then continues: “And you draw out your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul.” When a person gives the hungry individual not only material assistance but also something of his own “soul” by speaking kindly, offering comfort, strengthening him, and giving him encouragement, he merits eleven blessings:

“Then your light shall shine in the darkness, and your gloom shall be as the noonday. The Lord shall guide you continually, satisfy your soul in times of drought, and strengthen your bones. You shall be like a watered garden and like a spring of water whose waters never fail. Those who come from you shall rebuild the ancient ruins; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations. You shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in.”

Something to Take With You

Our Sages teach us that even at times when we have nothing material to give, we can remember that a kind word can itself be a genuine act of charity. We may not always have money available to give, but kind and encouraging words are always within reach. They, too, are a form of giving, one that our Sages teach carries an extraordinary reward.

The next time you give charity to a poor person on the street, place money in a charity box, or help someone in need, remember that the act of giving does not need to end when the money changes hands.

A kind word, a sincere “How are you?”, or a genuine smile can accompany the financial gift and make the act of kindness that much more meaningful.