A woman went into the local newspaper office to see that the obituary for her recently deceased husband was properly written (she had always been known for her accuracy to details, second only to her famous sense of thrift). Only his beloved pickup truck remained to remind her of his presence.
The obit editor informed her that the fee for the obituary was 50 cents a word. She paused, reflected and then said, “Well then, let it read, ‘Billy Bob died.”
Although amused at the woman’s cleverness, the editor said, “Sorry, ma’am, but there’s a 7 word minimum on all obituaries.”
This caused her to become a little flustered, and she thought things over for a few seconds. “In that case,” she said, “let it read, ‘Billy Bob died, 1983 Pickup for sale.'”
For reasons that go far beyond finances, we should learn to be a people of few words (and we should make those few words count). Solomon had something to say on this subject:
“In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” (Prov. 10:19)
“Therefore let your words be few. For….a fool’s voice is known by his many words.” (Eccl. 5:2-3)
“He who has knowledge spares his words….. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.” (Prov. 17:27-28)
Let your words be few. I would say more, but…….
Alan Smith
