A while back, I decided that I wanted to learn more about marketing. So, like any self-respecting book-lover, I went online to search out a couple of volumes on the subject.
It turns out, though, my search yielded far more than a couple of options. There were hundreds of books for me to choose from—each with its own groundbreaking promise and impressive sounding author.
So, after looking at over a dozen listings, I was thoroughly confused. Everyone claimed to be an expert on the subject… but they couldn’t all be experts, could they?
I wondered: Which authors could be trusted? And which books should I invest my limited time in?
As I read Ecclesiastes 12 this week, I thought of that old “book dilemma” once more. You see, on topics far more essential than marketing, we humans seek out wisdom. Yet, we don’t always know the best place to find it.
We wonder which sources we can trust. And which ones we should invest our limited time in.
Thankfully, Ecclesiastes 12:11-12 speaks into our questions when it says:
“The words of the wise are like goads; and like nails well-fastened are words from the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. Furthermore, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.”
In these verses, the writer of Ecclesiastes compares two sources of wisdom: words from the Shepherd and words from the world. What he says about each can help us determine where to place our trust and time investment.
Words from the Shepherd:
Verse 11 said, “The words of the wise are like goads; and like nails well-fastened are words from the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.”
Personally, I believe this is a picture of Scripture.
Look at its Source:
Though written down by many wise and God-fearing men, the verses we read in Scripture were ultimately given by One God, our Good Shepherd. He—who created all, sustains all, knows all and will judge all—is the Source of what we read in our Bibles.
Scripture is as authoritative and trustworthy as its Author.
Look at its Reliability:
Scripture is also a sturdy place for us to hang our hope. Like the “nails well-fastened” from verse 11, God’s Words are unmoving and unchanging. They are as true today as when they were first penned—and they always will be.
We don’t have to worry that if we take Scripture to heart today, it will be disproven or outdated tomorrow. God’s Word is as sturdy as a “nail well-fastened.” It’s not going anywhere!
And because Scripture has the ability to secure us like nothing else, it’s worthy of building our lives on.
Look at its Impact on Us:
Verse 11 said, “The words of the wise are like goads.” They goad—or prod—us into action just like a rancher’s stick prods cattle into moving.
Haven’t we all, as Believers, had this experience with Scripture? It pokes at our consciences. It cuts at our hearts—and in the moment, all we feel is the discomfort of it. But in the end, after we are moved to repentance, we realize God’s loving hand was behind it all. Through the Scripture, God was nudging us closer to Himself.
Scripture spurs us on. It moves us forward. And it makes us better by leading us to the One who is best for us.
Words from the World:
In contrast with verse 11, Verse 12 says this: “Furthermore, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” And I can’t help but think this is a picture of worldly wisdom.
Look at its Source:
I find it interesting that the writer of Ecclesiastes seems to be cautioning his “son” against “making many books,” here. It’s a reminder that if we look to the world for wisdom, the person who ends up teaching us will be just as human and fallible as we are.
These days, anyone can put forth an opinion and claim it as “truth.” Anyone can write a book, record a podcast or create a course… and that’s good. But if we’re going to let them influence us, we need to ask: is our trust in these sources warranted?
Look at its Reliability:
The writer said, “of making many books there is no end” and that’s certainly true today, isn’t? For the world, truth is ever evolving. There’s always an updated version or an alternate take to fill the next volume.
You know, when I was investigating those marketing books online, one book (that had been published just a few years earlier) had already been labeled “outdated” by reviewers. “Instead of reading this book,” they said, “you should choose a newer release.”
That’s fair enough. But in a few years, those “new releases” will be outdated, too.
It makes me wonder: am I basing my life on worldly wisdom that will be equally as short-lived? Am I making my life choices based on what’s trending and culturally acceptable at the moment?
Or am I living based on truth that’s eternal?
Look at its Impact on Us:
Verse 12 continues, “much study is a weariness of the flesh.” While I’m sure my college-aged self would have chuckled at this verse and given it a hearty “amen,” today the passage has me thinking a little deeper.
When we base our lives on the world’s wisdom, our foundation is constantly shifting. So, we’re constantly having to keep up with “the latest” and we’re constantly having to work to keep our balance. This is exhausting.
You know, worldly wisdom makes impressive promises on its cover, but when we open up the pages for ourselves, we discover:
Where God’s word brings life and transformation, worldly wisdom gives only weariness.
So, the reviews are in and now we have a choice to make.
In our search for wisdom, will we reach for the ever-shifting words of our fellow-humans—that drain us, weary us and leave us unsteady?
Or will we reach for the unchanging words of our One Shepherd—that move us forward, make us better and can secure us forever?
This devotion is based on one of the Scriptures from my reading plan: “Wisdom from Above” which covers Proverbs, Ecclesiastes & Job. To receive a copy of the reading plan (and future reading plans), sign up for the email list below. Hope you’ll follow along!
Written by Paige K. Burhans
©2024 Paige K. Burhans
Scriptures taken from the World English Bible British Edition. Public Domain.
