"The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one Shepherd."
Ecclesiastes 12:11
Part 1
Can the older generation have an influence on the younger generations? Solomon said, “Yes!” He was the wise old “Preacher” of the book of Ecclesiastes. Though he had his problems, as all people do, he has much to teach us about true wisdom. Because he was wise, he still taught the people knowledge (v. 9).
“Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care” (Ecclesiastes 12:9 – ESV).
He took the time to prepare what he was going to say. He used “great care” in arranging his lessons.
He was careful to choose only the right words, words of truth (v. 10). When teaching the next generation, just any old words will not do! He handed down only words that were “upright” and “true.” Solomon understood how wise words can have “sticking power” when given by a loving and thoughtful individual.
“The words of the wise are as goads.”
Wise words are used like “goads.” This word picture is of a herdsman driving his oxen. An ox does not always want to go in the direction or at speed the herdsman desires. In Old Testament times, these cattlemen saw that an ox can be “goaded” into doing the will of its master. They carried with them long sticks with an iron spike attached to the end, a goad. They discovered that a well-placed prick to the rump or haunches of the ox made them much more compliable. The oxen were goaded until their wills changed and they obeyed. If they stepped out of the way, they were persuaded to return to the path.[1]
Wise words can have the same effect as a goad on a listening heart. If we do not listen, the goading gets rougher until we give Him our attention.
In our verse, what is the difference between the “goad” and the “nail”? Come back tomorrow, and we will see.
Quote: “If the Word does not dwell with power in us, it will not pass with power from us” [2] (John Owen).
[1] Both Shamgar and the Apostle Paul understood how “goads” worked (Judges 3:31; Acts 9:5).
[2] John Owen quoted by Piper. Downloaded: Friday, August 21, 2020. From: https://twitter.com/desiringgod/status/910293182033821696.