The People Read Him Gladly

An old saying goes something like this: “Water, water, everywhere and not a drop to drink.” Could that be true of words? There a lot of words, how many of them do we understand or use well?

Of Jesus it was said (Mk. 12:37b), “And the common people heard him gladly.” He spoke “...words easy to be understood...” (I Cor. 14:9).

Many words are written. Can people read our writings without having to reach for the dictionary? In a recent issue of the Dallas Morning News, the Profile Section featured a man who has produced several books concerning words: pronunciation, definition, and usage. He said, “Build your vocabulary to make yourself a better reader; choose simple words whenever possible to make yourself a better writer.”

How about the word cognizant? Would “aware” or “know” do? Either would be easily understood. Do we want a word to get in the way of what we are saying? If a reader has to stop and think about the terms we use, his ability and willingness to follow our line of thought will be hindered. Consider the word “allude.” To allude to a thing is to refer to it. “Refer” is more easily understood.

I am certainly not trying to dictate the terms to be used in speaking and writing. But, if we want to be understood, we must use words easily understood (I Cor. 14:9). But, someone says, Educate up. Using words that people have to look up educates. That is true, but did Jesus do that? He is the Master Teacher.

Advertisers want messages readily understood. Their messages are simple: “Coke Is It.” Brethren, we have the greatest message known to man. It needs to be easily understood, a good reason to choose our words wisely and think about how we express ourselves.

“The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth. The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd” (Eccl. 12:10,11).