Weekly Message
Tom Seymour
February 2, 2014
Proverbs 10: 19a - When
words are many, transgression is not lacking. (New Revised Standard
Version)
Short
And Sweet Is Always The Best Way
I
once participated in a daily reading of the Proverbs so that in the end, I
would have read the entire book. For some reason up to that point, I had only
skimmed over Proverbs. But my daily readings changed all that. The lessons
learned (and still being learned) have helped me in life, which was the purpose
of the book of Proverbs…to help us live our lives to the fullest.
As a
professional writer, I have found that achieving any degree of success requires
adhering to certain principals. The first sentence of Proverbs 19 says it all.
Many words do not necessarily win awards, sell books or induce magazine or
newspaper editors to accept a writer’s work. But well-placed words do just
that. So how does a writer differentiate between the meaningful and the trivial
or nonsensical? I have found that at least for me, the answer lies in writing
about what I know the best.
I
have 11 published books out on nature topics and hope that the Lord allows me
to write even more. Why are all my books on these subjects? Because that’s what
I know best. And knowing a topic allows me to write short, concise sentences. A
good rule for writers is to say the most with the least words. Adding more
words just muddies the waters.
This
same principal applies in our lives and in our walk with God. If we talk only
to be heard and write only to be read, we accomplish nothing and do nothing to
advance the Kingdom
of Heaven
How
many souls have been brought to Jesus by one who talks incessantly? Most people
only want to get away from such a one. But the person who talks little but
exhibits Christian principals in his or her life, is one whom others seek out.
So
let your life follow those writer’s guidelines, the same guidelines outlined in
Proverbs 19a. The fewer words the better. Choose wisely and rewards will surely
follow.
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