Wise Words are as Goads - Ecclesiastes 12:11

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “the preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth”, and in chapter twelve and verse eleven of his book Solomon said, “the words of the wise are as goads” where we read,

The words of the wise are as goads, 

and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.

The verse reads, “The words of the wise are as goads, …” Solomon began with the words, “the words of the wise” which means “the speeches, utterances, declarations and proclamations belonging to people who are skilled, shrewd and prudent” “are as goads” or “exist similar and in likeness to pointed cattle prods and rods”. Solomon said utterances from people who are shrewd and prudent exist similar to cattle prods. 

 

The verse goes on to say, “and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.” Solomon continued with the words, “and as nails” or “and similar and in likeness to fastening pegs or spikes” “fastened by the masters of assemblies” which means “fixed, planted and established through and by way of the lords, owners, captains and rulers pertaining to collections of learned men”, “which are given” or “that are granted, bestowed and assigned” “from one shepherd” which means “by the source of a single person who tends, grazes and feeds pastures animals”. Solomon said “wise words” are also similar to fastening spikes which are established by lords and rulers, and those “wise words” proceed from a single person. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how “wise words” are not only valuable to those who receive them, but those words also prod along and establish the person who takes heed to them. God has given us His “wise words” which are found in the Holy Scripture, the Bible, and when we surrender our lives to His Son Jesus who was sent into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit so we take heed to His “wise words” and allow them to prod our hearts and minds as we live before His eyes. 

Next time Solomon says, “and further, by these, my son, be admonished”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".