Have you ever wondered why some people use a great many words yet end up saying little? There are times when I sit in a meeting and listen to someone sharing with all sincerity and length about a subject, only to realize by the end that I cannot quite grasp what has been said. Contrast this with The Gettysburg Address—Abraham Lincoln’s powerful speech that consisted of only 272 words. Despite its brevity, it remains etched in the collective memory of our nation.
Recognizing that your time is valuable, I will keep this brief. One of the things I appreciate about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the use of short, impactful slogans—phrases that capture profound truths in just a few words:
“Stick to the basics.” – AA encourages members to keep their messages simple and focused on experience, strength, and hope rather than unnecessary elaboration.
“Keep it simple.” – This well-known AA slogan highlights the importance of clear, concise, and meaningful communication.
“Say what you mean, mean what you say, but don’t say it mean.”
The wisdom of Pythagoras reinforces this idea: “It is better either to be silent or to say things of more value than silence. Sooner throw a pearl at hazard than an idle or useless word; and do not say a little in many words, but a great deal in a few.”
This principle is also reflected in scripture:
Ecclesiastes 5:2 – “Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.”
3 Nephi 17:3 (Book of Mormon) – “Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand.”
Whether in prayer, teaching, or daily speech, wisdom is found in saying only what is needed, in a way that uplifts and edifies. Too many words can dilute meaning, while concise, spirit-led speech carries greater power.
Good morning.
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