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Daily Devotions

Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes 
Day 
Day 172

"The words of the wise"

Text: Ecclesiastes 12:11

BEYOND GOOD WORDS

Solomon was deeply committed to the challenge of being a responsible Preacher. He sought to be a wise Preacher. That is perhaps even harder!

“The words of the wise are like goads,
and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails,
given by one Shepherd.”
Ecclesiastes 12:11

1. “The words of the wise are like goads”

a) The first challenge is to be “wise”.

i) There is the “wisdom” that comes from life’s experience.

ii) There is secular wisdom that the world offers.

b) Solomon’s prayer

i) Solomon prayed for a heart of understanding and discernment.

ii) God answered his prayer and gave him a heart of understanding.

iii) But an understanding heart is only the gateway to wisdom.

c) Wisdom must be acquired.

i) It is to be sought after diligently.

ii) It is gained slowly over the years.

d) Words of wisdom must then be carefully found.

e) The words of the wise would then be like effective goads.

i) It may give some pain.

ii) It will motivate a person to seek wisdom.

iii) The words of the wise will have a significant impact on the careful learner.

2. “And the words of scholars are like well-driven nails”

a) The “wise man” and the “scholar” are linked here.

b) The wise man would be scholarly.

i) He would have to learn much.

ii) He must love knowledge.

iii) He must possess knowledge.

c) A scholar is also skilled in his use of words.

i) His words are compared to well-driven nails.

ii) In the ancient days, nails were widely used.

iii) They are usually very strong.

iv) They can carry a lot of heavy pots and pans.

3. “Given by one Shepherd”

a) Solomon identifies the Source of both wisdom and words.

b) These come from one Shepherd.

c) That Shepherd is none other than God Himself (Psalm 23; Psalm 28:9).

d) He is more than glad to impart wisdom and skill to all who would seek Him humbly.