---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If, on a rare occasion, it is necessary…"
description: "\"If, on a rare occasion, it is necessary to speak with some severity in order to make a grievous crime felt, we should always, at the conclusion of the ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/546/alphonsus-liguori-3787_action_if-on-a-rare-occasion-it-is-necessary-to_1305659.jpg"
---

#  If, on a rare occasion, it is necessary to speak with some…

![“If, on a rare occasion, it is necessary to speak with some severity in order to make a grievous crime felt, we should always, at the conclusion of the rebuke, add some kind words. We must heal wounds, as the Samaritan did, with wine and oil. But as oil floats above all other liquors, so meekness…” quote by Alphonsus Liguori](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/546/alphonsus-liguori-3787_action_if-on-a-rare-occasion-it-is-necessary-to_1305659.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/546/alphonsus-liguori-3787_action_if-on-a-rare-occasion-it-is-necessary-to_1305659.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/546/alphonsus-liguori-3787_action_if-on-a-rare-occasion-it-is-necessary-to_1305659.jpg)

> “If, on a rare occasion, it is necessary to speak with some severity in order to make a grievous crime felt, we should always, at the conclusion of the rebuke, add some kind words. We must heal wounds, as the Samaritan did, with wine and oil. But as oil floats above all other liquors, so meekness should predominate in all our actions.”

[Alphonsus Liguori](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alphonsus-liguori/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

After a harsh rebuke, one should soften the blow with kindness, promoting healing and humility.

**In simple terms:** Combine firm correction with gentle compassion.

Key Takeaway

Balance firmness with compassion.

Themes

ethics compassion humility communication

Mood

thoughtful balanced considerate

Type

advice philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

- disciplining a child
- giving performance feedback
- mediating a dispute
- delivering tough news
- teaching a lesson

Key Concepts

moral philosophy conflict resolution leadership empathy restorative practice

Questions to Reflect On

- How can you ensure criticism remains effective?
- When is it appropriate to prioritize kindness over truth?

A Different Perspective

Too much softness may reduce the impact of necessary discipline.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Action](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/action/) [Anger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/anger/) [Conclusion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conclusion/) [Crime](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/crime/) [Kind words](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kind-words/) [Meekness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/meekness/) [Occasions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/occasions/) [Order](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/order/) [Rare occasion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rare-occasion/) [Samaritans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/samaritans/) [Wine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wine/) [Wounds](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wounds/)

## Related quotes

> [“If there is difference of opinions on a rare occasion, then that is the measure of being a human.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dada-bhagwan/if-there-is-difference-of-opinions-on-a-rare-occasion-then-that-is/)

[Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dada-bhagwan/)

> [Meanness is the one thing I do get upset about on those rare occasions when I see it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maya-soetoro-ng/meanness-is-the-one-thing-i-do-get-upset-about-on-those-rare/)

[Maya Soetoro-Ng](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maya-soetoro-ng/)

> [As resolute as I feel about my convictions, if I'm wrong, I'm man enough to say I'm wrong, because I find it a rare…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-a-smith/as-resolute-as-i-feel-about-my-convictions-if-i-m-wrong-i-m-man/)

[Stephen A. Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-a-smith/)

> [In really hard times the rules of the game are altered. The inchoate mass begins to stir. It becomes potent, and when it strikes,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/walter-lippmann/in-really-hard-times-the-rules-of-the-game-are-altered-the-inchoate/)

[Walter Lippmann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/walter-lippmann/)

> [“On rare occasions there comes along a profound original, an odd little book that appears out of nowhere, from the pen of some obscure…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/e-j-banfield/on-rare-occasions-there-comes-along-a-profound-original-an-odd-little/)

E. J. Banfield

> [We have all experienced times when, instead of being buffeted by anonymous forces, we do feel in control of our actions, masters of our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mihaly-csikszentmihalyi/we-have-all-experienced-times-when-instead-of-being-buffeted-by-2/)

[Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mihaly-csikszentmihalyi/)

> [We have all experienced times when, instead of being buffeted by anonymous forces, we do feel in control of our actions, masters of our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mihaly-csikszentmihalyi/we-have-all-experienced-times-when-instead-of-being-buffeted-by/)

[Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mihaly-csikszentmihalyi/)

> [I don't think fine dining is dying, but I think those rare occasions when you really want the fanciness are diminishing... I think a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mario-batali/i-don-t-think-fine-dining-is-dying-but-i-think-those-rare-occasions/)

[Mario Batali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mario-batali/)

> [There was no hope for any kind of big opportunity. I'm not saying it was hopeless. The big pay-off was to work as an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-ruscha/there-was-no-hope-for-any-kind-of-big-opportunity-i-m-not-saying-it/)

[Edward Ruscha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-ruscha/)

> [I'm not much of a correspondent. My letters are not only uninteresting but sparse. I'm glad I don?t have to write for a living.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/groucho-marx/i-m-not-much-of-a-correspondent-my-letters-are-not-only-uninteresting/)

[Groucho Marx](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/groucho-marx/)

> [I have a feeling I'm falling on rare occasions but most of the time I have my feet on the ground I can't help…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lawrence-ferlinghetti/i-have-a-feeling-i-m-falling-on-rare-occasions-but-most-of-the-time-i/)

[Lawrence Ferlinghetti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lawrence-ferlinghetti/)

> [I am not greedy. I do not seek to possess the major portion of your days. I am content if, on those rare occasions…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maya-deren/i-am-not-greedy-i-do-not-seek-to-possess-the-major-portion-of-your/)

[Maya Deren](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maya-deren/)

> [I'm often wary of using the word 'inspiration' to introduce my work -- it sounds too much like a sun shower from the heavens,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shaun-tan/i-m-often-wary-of-using-the-word-inspiration-to-introduce-my-work-it/)

[Shaun Tan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shaun-tan/)

> [Meditation is one of the rare occasions when we're not doing anything. Otherwise, we're always doing something, we're always thinking something, we're always occupied.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dzongsar-jamyang-khyentse-rinpoche/meditation-is-one-of-the-rare-occasions-when-we-re-not-doing-anything/)

[Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dzongsar-jamyang-khyentse-rinpoche/)

> [The whole gamut of good and evil is in every human being, certain notes, from stronger original quality or most frequent use, appearing to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fanny-kemble/the-whole-gamut-of-good-and-evil-is-in-every-human-being-certain/)

[Fanny Kemble](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fanny-kemble/)

## More by Alphonsus Liguori

> [He would be guilty of mortal sin, because he exposes himself to the danger of grievously offending God. Hence, before he acts he must…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alphonsus-liguori/he-would-be-guilty-of-mortal-sin-because-he-exposes-himself-to-the/)

[Alphonsus Liguori](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alphonsus-liguori/)

> [The past is no longer yours; the future is not yet in your power. You have only the present wherein to do good.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alphonsus-liguori/the-past-is-no-longer-yours-the-future-is-not-yet-in-your-power-you/)

[Alphonsus Liguori](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alphonsus-liguori/)

> [Assuredly, Loving Souls, you should go to God with all humility and respect, humbling yourselves in His presence, especially when you remember your past…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alphonsus-liguori/assuredly-loving-souls-you-should-go-to-god-with-all-humility-and/)

[Alphonsus Liguori](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alphonsus-liguori/)

> [Let your constant practice be to offer yourself to God, that He may do with you what He pleases.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alphonsus-liguori/let-your-constant-practice-be-to-offer-yourself-to-god-that-he-may-do/)

[Alphonsus Liguori](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alphonsus-liguori/)

> [Perfect love of God means the complete union of our will with God's.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alphonsus-liguori/perfect-love-of-god-means-the-complete-union-of-our-will-with-god-s/)

[Alphonsus Liguori](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alphonsus-liguori/)

> [How beautiful she is, Our Lady of compassion! How dear! How utterly unselfish! How filled with joy for Him - and us - in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alphonsus-liguori/how-beautiful-she-is-our-lady-of-compassion-how-dear-how-utterly/)

[Alphonsus Liguori](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alphonsus-liguori/)

> [Let us make up for lost time. Let us give to God the time that remains to us.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alphonsus-liguori/let-us-make-up-for-lost-time-let-us-give-to-god-the-time-that-remains/)

[Alphonsus Liguori](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alphonsus-liguori/)

> [Jesus is the mediator of justice; Mary obtains for us grace; for, as St. Bernard, St. Bonaventure, St. Bernardine of Siena, St. Germanus, St.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alphonsus-liguori/jesus-is-the-mediator-of-justice-mary-obtains-for-us-grace-for-as-st/)

[Alphonsus Liguori](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alphonsus-liguori/)

> [The sovereigns of the earth do not always grant audience readily; on the contrary, the King of Heaven, hidden under the eucharistic veils, is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alphonsus-liguori/the-sovereigns-of-the-earth-do-not-always-grant-audience-readily-on/)

[Alphonsus Liguori](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alphonsus-liguori/)

> [Before the coming of Jesus Christ, men fled away from God and, being attached to the earth, refused to unite themselves to their Creator.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alphonsus-liguori/before-the-coming-of-jesus-christ-men-fled-away-from-god-and-being/)

[Alphonsus Liguori](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alphonsus-liguori/)

> [Our Faith will never be true unless it is united to that of St. Peter and the Pontiff, his successors.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alphonsus-liguori/our-faith-will-never-be-true-unless-it-is-united-to-that-of-st-peter/)

[Alphonsus Liguori](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alphonsus-liguori/)

> [In the Great Deluge in the days of Noah, nearly all mankind perished, eight persons alone being saved in the Ark. In our days…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alphonsus-liguori/in-the-great-deluge-in-the-days-of-noah-nearly-all-mankind-perished/)

[Alphonsus Liguori](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alphonsus-liguori/)

> [Speak to Him often of your business, your plans, your troubles, your fears - of everything that concerns you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alphonsus-liguori/speak-to-him-often-of-your-business-your-plans-your-troubles-your/)

[Alphonsus Liguori](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alphonsus-liguori/)

> [Of all devotions, that of adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the greatest after the sacraments, the one dearest to God and the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alphonsus-liguori/of-all-devotions-that-of-adoring-jesus-in-the-blessed-sacrament-is/)

[Alphonsus Liguori](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alphonsus-liguori/)

> [Not only is there no need of an intermediary through whom He would want you to speak to Him, but He finds His delight…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alphonsus-liguori/not-only-is-there-no-need-of-an-intermediary-through-whom-he-would/)

[Alphonsus Liguori](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alphonsus-liguori/)

[Explore all 122 Alphonsus Liguori quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alphonsus-liguori/)

## More Action quotes

> [I always say there are two things to be successful. The first is decide exactly what you want - set your goals - and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/i-always-say-there-are-two-things-to-be-successful-the-first-is/)

[Brian Tracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-tracy/)

> [You'd be surprised how hard it can often be to translate an action into an idea.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karl-kraus/you-d-be-surprised-how-hard-it-can-often-be-to-translate-an-action/)

[Karl Kraus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karl-kraus/)

> [Gratitude isn't just a feeling, it's an action. Expressing gratitude by writing in a journal, taking a photo, or shooting a video creates a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/janice-kaplan/gratitude-isn-t-just-a-feeling-it-s-an-action-expressing-gratitude-by/)

[Janice Kaplan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janice-kaplan/)

> [Nothing is so powerful as an insight into human nature... what compulsions drive a man, what instincts dominate his action. If you know these…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-bernbach/nothing-is-so-powerful-as-an-insight-into-human-nature-what/)

[William Bernbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-bernbach/)

> [Every thought I have imprisioned in expression I must free by my deeds](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kahlil-gibran/every-thought-i-have-imprisioned-in-expression-i-must-free-by-my-deeds/)

[Kahlil Gibran](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kahlil-gibran/)

> [It took me 20 years to buy an electric typewriter, because I was afraid it would be too sensitive. I like to bang the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elmore-leonard/it-took-me-20-years-to-buy-an-electric-typewriter-because-i-was/)

[Elmore Leonard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elmore-leonard/)

> [Every action that helps us manifest our divine nature more and more is good; every action that retards it is evil.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/swami-vivekananda/every-action-that-helps-us-manifest-our-divine-nature-more-and-more/)

[Swami Vivekananda](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/swami-vivekananda/)

> [As you begin changing your thinking, start immediately to change your behaviour. Begin to act the part of the person you would like to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/as-you-begin-changing-your-thinking-start-immediately-to-change-your/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [It's easy to say, let's go in and get the bad guys. But you have a divided country of Sunnis and Shias. The United…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tulsi-gabbard/it-s-easy-to-say-let-s-go-in-and-get-the-bad-guys-but-you-have-a/)

[Tulsi Gabbard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tulsi-gabbard/)

> [For comedy action, I must know the language.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sammo-hung/for-comedy-action-i-must-know-the-language/)

[Sammo Hung](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sammo-hung/)

> [Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/believing-with-you-that-religion-is-a-matter-which-lies-solely/)

[Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/)

> [“Action is a powerful thing. When you smile through your sadness, it can completely change your outlook. Try it! Smile :) Now hold onto…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leticia-rae/action-is-a-powerful-thing-when-you-smile-through-your-sadness-it-can/)

[Leticia Rae](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leticia-rae/)

> [I reject criticism because the last thing I wanted was to sit there and look at people talking. I think people are conditioned to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matt-tyrnauer/i-reject-criticism-because-the-last-thing-i-wanted-was-to-sit-there/)

[Matt Tyrnauer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matt-tyrnauer/)

> [“I take my actions because of my passion not because of compulsion.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amit-kalantri/i-take-my-actions-because-of-my-passion-not-because-of-compulsion/)

[Amit Kalantri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amit-kalantri/)

> [When the first Superman movie came out I was frequently asked "What is a hero?" ...My answer was that a hero is someone who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-reeve/when-the-first-superman-movie-came-out-i-was-frequently-asked-what-is/)

[Christopher Reeve](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-reeve/)

[Browse all 14,940 Action quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/action/)

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "If, on a rare occasion, it is necessary to speak with some severity in order to make a grievous crime felt, we should always, at the conclusion of the rebuke, add some kind words. We must heal wounds, as the Samaritan did, with wine and oil. But as oil floats above all other liquors, so meekness should predominate in all our actions.",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Alphonsus Liguori"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alphonsus-liguori/if-on-a-rare-occasion-it-is-necessary-to-speak-with-some-severity-in/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Action"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alphonsus-liguori/if-on-a-rare-occasion-it-is-necessary-to-speak-with-some-severity-in/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/546/alphonsus-liguori-3787_action_if-on-a-rare-occasion-it-is-necessary-to_1305659.jpg",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/546/alphonsus-liguori-3787_action_if-on-a-rare-occasion-it-is-necessary-to_1305659.jpg",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/546/alphonsus-liguori-3787_action_if-on-a-rare-occasion-it-is-necessary-to_1305659.jpg",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“If, on a rare occasion, it is necessary to speak with some severity in order to make a grievous crime felt…” — Alphonsus Liguori",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Alphonsus Liguori",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alphonsus-liguori/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "If, on a rare occasion, it...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alphonsus-liguori/if-on-a-rare-occasion-it-is-necessary-to-speak-with-some-severity-in/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alphonsus-liguori/if-on-a-rare-occasion-it-is-necessary-to-speak-with-some-severity-in/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
