The Words of the Wise
As we finish reading through the book of Ecclesiastes for another year. let's focus in on a verse with 3 word pictures that help us put things into perspective. Solomon was the wisest man ever, so we need to consider these truths about the words of the wise. (Ecclesiastes 12:11) This is a good verse upon which to meditate for a while, so we can get the full meaning.
The words of the wise are like "goads." A goad is a sharp stick used to herd cattle or unruly sheep. The shepherd could apply it when necessary to get them going in the right direction or to stop them from going astray. That is exactly what the words of the wise do for us. They may hurt for a while, but we should be glad for the pain that helps us stay on the right path in life.
The words of scholars, the volumes of their writings, are like well-driven nails. A well-driven nail is a thing of beauty, and it makes the boards secure and strong. When we read the words of wise scholars, we read logical arguments that amaze us for their brilliance. They build a strong case for their subject, so that we can be secure in our understanding of it.
Finally, don't miss the end of the verse. They are given by one Shepherd. The words of the truly wise men and women of this world, and the words the scholars have recorded for us, do not contradict each other, if they are genuine wisdom, not man's counterfeit wisdom. It is as if one Shepherd is giving instructions to us all. Yes, that is what is happening. All wisdom and truth comes from the Lord. He is the one Shepherd, who gives words to the wise and well-driven nails to the scholars to pass on to us.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Song of Solomon 2-5.
The words of the wise are like "goads." A goad is a sharp stick used to herd cattle or unruly sheep. The shepherd could apply it when necessary to get them going in the right direction or to stop them from going astray. That is exactly what the words of the wise do for us. They may hurt for a while, but we should be glad for the pain that helps us stay on the right path in life.
The words of scholars, the volumes of their writings, are like well-driven nails. A well-driven nail is a thing of beauty, and it makes the boards secure and strong. When we read the words of wise scholars, we read logical arguments that amaze us for their brilliance. They build a strong case for their subject, so that we can be secure in our understanding of it.
Finally, don't miss the end of the verse. They are given by one Shepherd. The words of the truly wise men and women of this world, and the words the scholars have recorded for us, do not contradict each other, if they are genuine wisdom, not man's counterfeit wisdom. It is as if one Shepherd is giving instructions to us all. Yes, that is what is happening. All wisdom and truth comes from the Lord. He is the one Shepherd, who gives words to the wise and well-driven nails to the scholars to pass on to us.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Song of Solomon 2-5.