Nehemiah 8:8 
They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read. (NIV)

They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage. (NLT)

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The task of honest communication is clear understanding. Never be clever if it obscures clarity. 

For example, “obscures clarity” is a perfectly acceptable and meaningful word pair. The word “obscure” as used here means to conceal something. The word “clarity” means intelligible. 

Let’s try it again. Do not hide the clear meaning. Speak or write the clear meaning. 

There is an assumption we should make when we attempt to explain something. The assumption is people who place themselves in positions to learn from us have an important request in mind. The request is the simple phrase, “Help me understand.” 

A new friend asked a question over dinner last night. He wanted to know how I lead a particular training process. His question lacked precision. Or better, his question was not clear. It was too broad. I replied, “Tell me more.” His next question added the information he assumed the first time. 

Speak and write simply without becoming simplistic. 

The simple reading and explanation of what God had said to his people so many years before brought people to tears. Truth is powerful. It stands well on its own two feet. 

The two basic rules of effective communication are
* Keep it simple.
* Make it clear.

Our Father, thank you for making your words of truth and life easy to understand. Empower us to communicate your words in a manner those who hear them or read them can easily understand them. Amen.