Ten Shillings for One Word

By Royce Frederick

Someone has written this anecdote regarding the wit and wisdom of Rudyard Kipling:

Many years ago, when Rudyard Kipling was one of the more popular writers of his time, it was reported that he received ten shillings for every word he wrote. Some students at Oxford University, less impressed with his success than they should have been, sent Kipling ten shillings with the request that he send them “one of your very best words.” He cabled back: “Thanks.”

“Thanks” is certainly a valuable word. It shows appreciation for the gift and the giver. A thankless heart is senseless and foolish (see Rom. 1:21). Let us thank God through Christ for all our abundant blessings, because “every good gift” is from the Father (Jas. 1:17).