The Power of a Few Well Chosen Words

“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”

You recognize these words as the opening of President Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg address, which were delivered on this date in 1863.

Interestingly and ironically, this memorable speech from American history was almost an afterthought. The famous orator Edward Everett was asked to deliver the dedication speech at the Gettysburg cemetery honoring more than 45,000 men who were killed, injured or captured in one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War.

Someone thought it would be a good idea to ask President Lincoln to also attend and say “a few appropriate words.” Everett spoke for two hours. Lincoln followed with a speech that lasted only 2-3 minutes of less than 250 words. No one remembers Everett’s speech, but Lincoln’s words are significantly etched in the annals of American history.

Lincoln ended with this stirring challenge.

The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here; while it can never forget what they did here.

It is rather for us, the living, we here be dedicated to the great task remaining before us that, from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here, gave the last full measure of devotion that we here highly resolve these dead shall not have died in vain; that the nation, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

This reminds us of the power of just a few well chosen words. These thoughts come to mind.

#1 The Bible is a succinct book considering the amount of history it covers and the significance of its life-changing message.

Consider these famous sections.

• The Creation and history of the world is described in just two chapters.
• The entire text of the Ten Commandments is only 34O words, but can be listed in only 77 words.
• The immortal 23rd Psalm is only 123 words.
• Paul’s great love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13, is only 283 words.
• The greatest sermon ever preached, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, can be read in 10-15 minutes.

#2 Those of us who preach might learn a lesson from all of this.

As Warren Wiersbe once quipped, “A sermon doesn’t have to be eternal to be immortal,” We would do well to hone our craft to be more succinct in our presentations. Eliminate the redundant. Learn to say more by saying less.

#3 A few simple, heartfelt words can make a difference in someone’s life.

The Bible says “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (Prov. 16:24). Consider the impact of these words spoken at the right time, right place, to the right person.

• I’m sorry.
• I was wrong.
• I’m proud of you
• Congratulations.
• You made a difference.
• Thank you.
• I’m praying for you.
• Let me help.
• You did a good job.
• I love you.

Finally, three words turned sadness to gladness. Renewed hope. Reversed direction. Provided purpose. And shouted, “Victory.” Three words that literally have painted a picture which has changed the world and the course of all human history. They are the words of the angelic host to the women at Jesus tomb.

“He is risen.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman.