S. E. Kiser expresses in the verse below the thought that our kind words and deeds are helpful to ourselves, no matter how small their objective effect:

You may not profit by my word of cheer,
The cares you have may weigh upon you
still;
My word of kindness may not dry your tear,
Nor smooth you path upon the storm-
swept hill.

The word of hope I speak may not impart
To you the courage that I wish it might;
But, speaking it, I win new strength of heart
And make the burden I am bearing light.