Best known for his classic children’s books, Theodor Geisel Seuss perfected the art of succinct communication. The Cat in the Hat, the early reader that turned Dick and Jane on their heads, ushered in a whole new era in children’s books.
The New Yorker article, “Cat People – What Dr. Seuss Really Taught Us,” gives us the background on this classic. In May 1954, Life magazine published a report on illiteracy among school children which concluded that children were not learning to read because their books were boring. William Ellsworth Spaulding, the director of the education division at Houghton Mifflin, compiled a list of 348 words he felt were important for first-graders to recognize. He asked Seuss to cut the list to 250 words and write a book using only those words. Spaulding challenged him to “bring back a book children can't put down.” Nine months later, Seuss completed The Cat in the Hat, using 236 of the words.
But Seuss didn’t stop there. When Bennett Cerf, the co-founder of Random House, bet him he couldn’t write a book with 50 or fewer distinct words, he won the bet by producing one of his most popular works, Green Eggs and Ham, using exactly 50 unique words. Green Eggs and Ham went on to be Geisel’s best-selling work, so even though he never collected on the bet, his endeavor paid off royally.
We could learn a lot from Dr. Seuss’s example. And from the Bible. Did you know that Scripture embraces the concept of communicating with an economy of words? It gives us very clear instructions against using “a multitude” of words when a few will do. Here are three principles we can apply to the judicious use of speech:
2. The surest way to sin with our mouth is to open it. Proverbs 10:19 says, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” Sometimes the best thing we can say is nothing.
3. We can gain a reputation for wisdom by listening, not speaking. If you’re like me, you’re quick to offer an opinion, share information, or propose a solution to someone else’s problem. Proverbs 17:28, however, suggests the opposite. Instead of blurting out the first thought that comes to our mind, we (and others) would be better served if we listened, weighed our words carefully, and sometimes chose not to speak at all. “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.”
As a writer, I’d love to be known for the ability to communicate truth with nary a wasted word. As a Christian, I want to pray earnestly, know when to speak, and know when to be silent. These are noble goals – ones I think honor the Lord.
Now it’s your turn. How do you most often get into trouble? By speaking too much or speaking too little? What are your favorite Bible verses on the subject of words? And while you’re commenting, what is your favorite Dr. Seuss book? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.
"Let the words from my lips and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable to you, O Lord, Mr rock and my redeemer"
ReplyDeleteMy biggest problem is the words I speak often don't convey the meaning behind my intent.
Yes, I agree, Cindy. The brain and the mouth can become strangely disconnected sometimes ... :) This is a great prayer to pray over our words.
DeleteProverbs 25:11
ReplyDeleteA word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver.
Amen and amen. Timely speech is a gift to the fiver and the receiver.
DeleteAmazing post, Lori, thank you for sharing it. How do I get in trouble with my words? It really depends on the day: some times I speak too much, other times too little.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Doctor Suess book, according to what I've been told, is "Green Eggs and Ham".
Blessings!
Hi Kim,
DeleteSo nice to hear from you. I agree that we can get into trouble at both ends of the conversation spectrum. Sometimes we take the cowardly way out and don't speak when we should, and other times we speak when silence would have been golden. Only by prayerfully thinking before we speak can we make the right choice. Blessings to you!