We can get lost in words, and it is very easy to wander about on any topic. The practice of being concise helps us focus on putting an idea across without drifting about. One of the most remembered and most powerful speeches was given well over a hundred years ago by Abraham Lincoln. It is called the Gettysburg Address and lasted all of 2 minutes. It is almost impossible to recall any "great" speech that was wordy.

During World War II Winston Churchill demanded that his cabinet ministers write reports that were no more than one page long. He said, "It is sheer laziness not compressing thought into a reasonable space." It does take effort and concentration to be clear—many words don't mean clarity. God inspired the most important information for human beings to be written in just one book—the Bible. Paul said he wrote in "few words" (Hebrews 13:22). When a person does put in the needed time and effort, clarity comes easier. Do the work and be clear.