The Dallas Willard Podcast

chevron_right

70. Simplicity, Frugality and Poverty (1981)

whatshot 21 snips

Feb 16, 2026

Guest

Dallas Willard

Dallas Willard, philosopher and Christian teacher known for spiritual formation, speaks on silence, the power of the tongue, and living simply. He defines simplicity, frugality, and poverty. Short, practical lessons cover controlling speech, cultivating meekness, consuming only what is necessary, resisting wealth’s pull, and practices like planned silence and saying no.

01:01:18

forum

Ask episode

web_stories

AI Snips

view_agenda

Chapters

menu_book

Books

auto_awesome

Transcript

info_circle

Episode notes

insights

INSIGHT

Tongue Shapes Character And Course

The tongue is a small but decisive instrument that reveals heart and steers action.
Dallas Willard shows how words both create future conduct and expose inner character.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Childhood Fire Illustrates Tongue's Power

A single small match once ignited a huge countryside fire when Dallas was nine.
He uses this memory to illustrate how a small tongue can kindle vast good or evil.

insights

INSIGHT

Meekness Marks Godly Wisdom

Wisdom from above is marked by purity, peace, gentleness, and mercy rather than power or loudness.
Meekness is the most effective root-cutter of tongue-driven evil.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Opening Prayer and Purpose

01:12 • 2min

chevron_right

Silence, Tongue, and James' Warning

03:19 • 2min

chevron_right

Bridling the Tongue: Direction Not Mere Silence

05:12 • 4min

chevron_right

Tongue as Determinant of Character

09:12 • 4min

chevron_right

Meekness as the Cure for Tongue-Evil

13:10 • 2min

chevron_right

Temptations in Speaking Roles

15:01 • 3min

chevron_right

A Catalogue of Tongue Sins

17:57 • 5min

chevron_right

Tongue's Power for Good

Defining Simplicity, Frugality, Poverty

31:05 • 2min

chevron_right

Frugality: Consuming What Is Necessary

33:35 • 2min

chevron_right

Poverty Is Not a General Command

35:36 • 4min

chevron_right

Simplicity as Unity of Will

39:07 • 46sec

chevron_right

Scriptural Warnings About Mammon

39:53 • 5min

chevron_right

Seek the Kingdom; Be Content

45:08 • 2min

chevron_right

Security, Anxiety, and Covetousness

47:07 • 2min

chevron_right

Simplicity in Ministry and Delegation

49:27 • 7min

chevron_right

Practical Disciplines: Confession and Saying No

• Mentioned in 27 episodes

The Book of James

James E. Brown

The Book of James, a New Testament epistle, emphasizes practical Christian living. It focuses on faith's demonstration through actions, highlighting the importance of good works and perseverance in the face of trials. James stresses the need for self-control, humility, and wisdom in navigating life's challenges. The book also addresses issues of wealth, poverty, and the dangers of worldly desires. Ultimately, James encourages readers to live a life of faith that is evident in their daily conduct.

#1321

• Mentioned in 31 episodes

The Spirit of the Disciplines

Understanding How God Changes Lives

Dallas Willard

In 'The Spirit of the Disciplines', Dallas Willard argues that spiritual disciplines are essential for transforming Christians into the character of Christ. He contends that these disciplines, such as solitude, silence, fasting, and prayer, are concrete activities that make us more receptive to God's Kingdom. The book explores the theological foundation of these disciplines, their historical context, and their practical application in everyday life. Willard emphasizes that salvation is a process of transformation worked out through our physical bodies and that these disciplines are crucial for living a life that reflects Christ's teachings.

#775

• Mentioned in 45 episodes

The Book of Proverbs is a wisdom literature book that addresses various aspects of life, including wealth creation, sexuality, friendship, marriage, and child training. It is divided into several sections, each with distinct themes such as the invitation to acquire wisdom, contrasting the wise and the fool, and moral discourses on justice, the wicked, and the rich and poor. The book emphasizes the fear of God as the beginning of wisdom and personifies wisdom as a guiding force in creation and human life. Contributions come from King Solomon, Agur, Lemuel, the men of Hezekiah, and other anonymous wise individuals.

#29696

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Purity of Heart

Søren Kierkegaard

'Purity of Heart Is to Will One Thing' by Søren Kierkegaard explores the concept of inner integrity and spiritual focus. Kierkegaard argues that a divided heart, torn between conflicting desires and loyalties, leads to inner turmoil and a lack of genuine purpose. He emphasizes the importance of choosing one overriding commitment, aligning one's will with the eternal and the good. The book delves into the challenges of maintaining this singleness of heart in a world filled with distractions and temptations. Kierkegaard encourages readers to cultivate self-awareness and to embrace a life of authenticity and unwavering devotion.

#929

• Mentioned in 40 episodes

Celebration of discipline

the path to spiritual growth

Richard Foster

Celebration of Discipline explores the central spiritual practices of the Christian faith, dividing them into three categories: inward disciplines (meditation, prayer, fasting, and study), outward disciplines (simplicity, solitude, submission, and service), and corporate disciplines (confession, worship, guidance, and celebration). Foster argues that these disciplines are essential for spiritual growth and a balanced spiritual life. He provides practical insights and examples on how these disciplines can be integrated into daily life to bring about personal transformation and a deeper connection with God and others.

Simplicity, Frugality and Poverty

February 11, 1981

Rolling Hills Covenant Church

This is session #5 of an 11-part series called “The Disciple, the Disciplines and the Triumphant Life.”

Tim, I’m working on recreating the handout. I think it’s just the list of session topics with the scriptures for study.

DEFINITIONS

Simplicity: A lack of disjointed complexity in intention and will.

Frugality: Consuming only what is necessary.

Poverty: Absence of resources.

Simplicity and frugality are commands of the scripture. Poverty is not.

FOR FURTHER STUDY

Celebration of Discipline (1978) by Richard Foster

The Spirit of the Disciplines (1988) by Dallas Willard

Visit https://DWillard.org for a wide variety of resources and opportunities that can serve as a means to help you “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Dallas Willard Ministries exists to proclaim, teach and manifest the love, truth and transforming power of Christ and the Kingdom of God. We invite you to partner with us by praying for our ministry team, praying for the students in the School of Kingdom Living, sharing your talents as a volunteer, or contributing financial gifts. Visit https://dwillard.org/donate if you’d like to help us increase the availability of Dallas’s teaching to help people become more like Jesus.

WAYS TO CONNECT WITH US:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dallaswillard

Facebook Group: Dallas Willard is My Homeboy

Signup for the Dallas Willard Legacy Update at DWillard.org/mailing-list

Contact the team at Dallas Willard Ministries by writing us at DWMinistries@DWillard.org.

Instagram: dallas_willard_ministries

Facebook: dallas.willard.0717 and SchoolOfKingdomLiving

Threads: dallas_willard_ministries

X (Twitter): @DallasAWillard

LinkedIn: Dallas Willard Ministries, and School of Kingdom Living

The contents of this recording are © Willard Family Trust. Used by permission. For permission to reproduce any of this content, please contact Dallas Willard Publications at ...

Home Top podcasts Popular guests Top books