When Less Is More: Letting God’s Word Speak

By Steve Pierce

A wise person I truly respect offered some advice to me this morning. She reminded me I can be a little wordy when I write sometimes. And she is right. I struggle at times to make my point efficiently and can be repetitive. Her advice got me thinking. Less of me and more of the Word.

I found two verses that speak exactly to the point of less is more.

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11, ESV)

“The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.” (Proverbs 16:23, ESV)

Too many words can confuse a message. It can make the writer (me) begin to take credit for things when that credit belongs to God. God’s own Word says that there is wisdom and value in a well presented and efficient message. That couldn’t be more clear than what we read in Matthew. Few words, huge impact.

“Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” (Matt 5:37, ESV)

Don’t forget we have a helper in the Holy Spirit who is active.  I need to communicate well and get out of the way as God in His glory and love closes the deal. I can’t say anything better than the Lord.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26, ESV)

So to keep it short, I will.  Dwell on God’s Word when you are searching, pray without stopping and trust in His goodness. He is alive and active. Say what you need to say and then stop as you turn to the Lord.

Less of me and more of Jesus.