Jump Start # 3921
Proverbs 10:19 “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”
I’ve been doing some counting lately. Lots of things one can count. I could count how many M & Ms are in my jar sitting on my desk. I could count how many books are in my library. In many congregations, Sunday ends with someone counting how much money was given and how many people were in attendance.
But, I’ve been counting something far more intriguing to me. I’ve noticed that one can see Jesus keeping the truisms that are found in Proverbs. Jesus lived the Proverbs. And, one example is our verse today. Many words in contrast to few words. Have you ever notice the brevity of words Jesus used?
There are some big sections in the Gospels of Jesus talking, such as over 300 words to Nicodemus. The prayer in John 17 is long and Matthew’s account of the sermon on the mount covers three chapters. But, those seem to be the exceptions.
Here are some of the words of Jesus I counted in conversation:
· With the demon possessed man in Mark 5—37 words
· Calling Lazarus from the grave—3 words
· Blind man in John 9—7 words
· Talking to Zacchaeus—13 words
· To the crippled man lowered through the roof—5 words
· Conversation with the woman with an issue of blood—16 words
· To Jairus—8 words
· To Jairus’ daughter—2 words
· The woman at the well—195 words
· To the widow burying her son—3 words
· To the young man raised—7 words
· To the penitent thief on the cross—13 words
Now, did our Lord say more that is just not recorded? Possibly. Possibly He spoke few words.
There are some lessons in this:
First, it ought to encourage us to know that one doesn’t have to use many words to have a powerful impact upon someone. We remember Job’s three friends who sat for a week without saying anything. Too many words can overwhelm someone and leave them confused.
Second, lots of words allows someone to chase all kinds of theological rabbits and one can spend a couple of hours talking without accomplishing anything worthwhile. Stick to one topic. Use few verses but use them well. Ask a question and then wait for an answer. Don’t answer for the person. It’s not the quantity of words and verses that wins a person to Christ. Rock solid arguments based upon God’s truth is what is needed.
Third, in helping one another, too many words can do more harm than good. Slow to speak and quick to hear is what James tells us. Slow is not only about speed, but also in number of words. Listen well. Listen more than you speak. Make what you say worthwhile. Some talk so much and so fast that their brain can’t keep up with their tongue.
In helping the sorrowing Thessalonians deal with the death of fellow Christians, Paul said ‘comfort one another with these words.’ Let God’s word be the words that you use. Let God’s word be the choice of your words. Let God’s word do what it can.
Brevity of words – interesting study when you stop and count the words.
Roger