Sermon Illustrations

NAILS IN THE FENCE

There was a little boy with a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, to hammer a nail in the back fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence.

Then it gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.

Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.

The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.

The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same.

When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say 'I'm sorry', the wound is still there."

Related Sermon Illustrations

  • What Is Sin?  PRO

    Contributed by David Schaal on Sep 4, 2003
    based on 5 ratings
     | 8,445 views

    What is Sin? · Man calls it an accident; God calls it an abomination. · Man calls it a blunder; God calls it blindness. · Man calls it a defect; God calls it a disease. · Man calls it a chance; God calls it a choice. · Man calls it an error; God calls it an enmity. · Man calls it a ...read more

  • The Rock

    Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Feb 8, 2007
    based on 1 rating
     | 7,212 views

    The Rock A man was sleeping at night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light and the Savior appeared. The Lord told the man He had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his ...read more

  • Marine Corps Boot Camp Lasted 18 Weeks When I ...  PRO

    Contributed by David Schaal on Sep 4, 2003
    based on 3 ratings
     | 6,597 views

    Marine Corps Boot camp lasted 18 weeks when I was in the Corps. During those 18 week, we were never, ever called Marines. The very last week of Boot Camp was so exciting because we new we were going to graduate. Then our Drill Instructors handed us a patch to iron on our camouflaged uniform. The ...read more

  • The Movie Rudy  PRO

    Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Oct 20, 2004
    based on 3 ratings
     | 4,194 views

    Video Illustration: The Movie Rudy The Movie: Based on the true story of Rudy Ruettiger, this film is about friendship, courage, and sacrifice. Rudy (Sean Austin) grew up in a small steel town with the dream of someday playing football for Notre Dame. Despite many obstacles, he refused to give ...read more

  • Did You Know There's A Company Called "The Alibi ...  PRO

    Contributed by Timothy Smith on Sep 8, 2002
    based on 7 ratings
     | 3,226 views

    Did you know there’s a company called “The Alibi Agency.” This London based agency’s slogan is: “We serve those who stray.” Here’s what’s on their web site: “With the pressures of modern life many of us have occasion to stray from our long term partners & dally with a brief sexual relationship with ...read more

Related Sermons