Goads and Nails

O. T. #1544  "Goads and Nails"
Oct. 15, 2019
Ecclesiastes 12-Part 2
The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.  (verse 11)

LET IT GLOW

Ah, how I do enjoy sitting on the front porch swing surrounded by crisp, cool, fall air. It is time for my hot tea with a couple of sassafras candies dropped into it. It is so quiet that I can hear the birds singing in the distant woods. They are praising their Creator and so do I, bursting out in praise songs. I wish you could be here with me friend. We could talk of so many things going on in our lives, sharing with each other burdens, dreams, and hopes.


Well, it's time to go inside and begin our study of the last chapter of this book. Take a look at our key verse. Do you know what a goad is?

A goad (also called oxgoad) was a wooden rod with a sharp metal tip, which was used to keep cattle moving. Like an oxgoad, wise words or important truths might be unpleasant when first heard and applied, but they could be essential for moving us in God's direction. (Life Application Study Bible)

It is kind of like when we use a sturdy stick or the broom handle to punch the cows, making them move into the shoot of the corral. Sometimes those critters can be stubborn, but they have to go in so they can be vaccinated.

We can be stubborn like cattle. Sometimes the Lord has to prod us to get moving on His path. The words of the wise are like cattle prods-painful but helpful.

Wise teaching helps find the best path in life, but such teaching must be done in reverence for God.
(The Experiencing God Study Bible)

Have we heard any wise words that we need to apply in our life, words which are hard to apply, as we have studied this book?


LET IT GROW

What is the second word that jumps out at us? It is nails, which set up boundaries of a sheep pen or securing a tent.

The words of scholars are like well-driven, given by one Shepherd. How does this apply to us?

Liberty Bible Commentary explains:

The purpose of the stake or fixed nail, is to provide a secure place to which a man may anchor himself during the stormy days of his life under the sun. These stakes furnish man with mental and spiritual anchorage. All of these collected sayings, be they goad or stake, are given by the one Shepherd of Israel (Ps. 80:1).

Is Jesus is our Good Shepherd, our Refuge, and our Strength?


LET IT GO

... of stubbornness so I follow Jesus to where He is leading.
... and let Jesus be my anchor in the storms of my life.