What't the Point?
by an Old Disciple
“…for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.”~ Matt. 6:7
“Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.”~ Eccl. 5:2
“I wrote afore in few words.”~ Eph. 3:3
“I have written a letter unto you in few words.”~ Heb. 13:22
Jesus Christ practiced what He preached. He could say more in a few words than the vain babblers could if they talked all day. In His Book He had His men write what He wanted to them say, briefly, while others needed volumes to express their thoughts. Many words, whether in speaking or writing, are not necessarily meritorious; they can be monotonous.
Certainly, our Lord was trying to teach us all something when He said, “But let you conversation be Yea, yea; Nay, nay.” Are we to learn from this that He would have us get to the point? As the 17th Century nun said in her prayer, “Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point.”
The Old Testament prophets of Baal talked all day and never did get to the point. Elijah got his point across in a brief sixty-three words.
You don’t eat the husk, but the kernel; remember that when you speak or write.
As I have learned from C.S. Lewis, brevity is best!
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I must pray for help in putting this lesson into action. Thank you, Dr. Sandlin.