Eld Ko Swee Chay

Introduction

In Ecclesiastes 12:9-10, Solomon pointed out the effort required to pursue knowledge and wisdom and affirmed that godly wisdom is best expressed through carefully chosen, upright words of truth that will bless others. He taught us to be deliberate in how we write and speak, ensuring that our words reflect truth and righteousness.

In Ecclesiastes 12:11-12, Solomon used metaphors to illustrate the value and importance of wisdom that comes from God’s Word, and the limitations of human knowledge, and warned against the endless pursuit of knowledge and the weariness that results from much study of books written by men.

The Value of Wisdom from God’s Word (Eccl 12:11)

The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.

“The words of the wise … are given from one shepherd.” What are these “words of the wise”? They are no light words. They cannot be human wisdom. They are “given from one shepherd”, the Son of God, our blessed Redeemer and Saviour. They are given from this singular, divine source. They are God’s Word and are divinely inspired and perfectly preserved by Him throughout the ages. The transformative power of God’s Word and truth and wisdom can shape our thoughts and desires, attitudes and behaviours, decisions and actions. We can grow in wisdom by studying the Bible and applying its principles and truths to our daily choices and actions, seeking to align our lives with God’s sovereign and perfect will.     

Solomon illustrated the power of “the words of the wise” and the value and importance of divine wisdom in our lives by using two metaphors: goads and fastened nails.

 “Goads” refers to long and sharp, pointed wooden sticks or rods traditionally used by shepherds or farmers to prod or nudge their livestock to work or move away from danger or move in the right direction. It works by delivering a small prick or some other discomfort to encourage the animal to obey commands. To goad someone means deliberately provoking or annoying them until they react. A goad can also mean something that urges or stimulates action, like a spur or incentive. We are all like sheep going astray, wandering into the world, indulging in carnal and sinful activities and pleasures. God’s Word is like a goad to prod and direct us back to Himself, the safe and secure place. It might be unpleasant and may sometimes hurt the flesh, but it is always designed to adjust our actions and to keep us away from carnality and direct us back to the path of righteousness.

“Nails fastened” means deeply and firmly driven nails, suggesting permanence and stability. Just as nails secure and hold structures together firmly, God’s Word and wisdom provide a solid foundation for our lives, anchoring our faith, manner of life, beliefs, desires and actions. “masters of assembles” refers to Prophets, Apostles, Preachers and Ministers of all ages, who are Christ’s ministers. Their duty is to fasten God’s Word and drive them as nails to the hearers’ hearts toward the way and service of God, fixed and dependable like nails driven into a structure or wall.

As we study through the book of Ecclesiastes: the experiences and observations that Solomon shared, the testimony of his repentance of the mistakes he made in life when he departed from God and His Word, we ought to be goaded or provoked to nail God’s Word into our hearts, to obey and apply it in our life, and stay away from sin and the vanity of the world. The painful experiences that Solomon shared are meant to goad us, so that we will not repeat the same mistakes that he made in his life and return to the Lord.

The Limitations of Human Knowledge (Eccl 12:12)

And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

Solomon appealed to the reader with a parental tone “my son”: By these words of the wise given by one shepherd that I have shared, take them as your most valuable counsel, that you may be admonished, rebuked or reminded of the wise teachings. Furthermore, he made a cautionary and intriguing statement that an abundance of study can lead to “weariness of the flesh.”  The “many books” refer to humanistic studies that Solomon himself had engaged in to search for wisdom, meaning and fulfilment in life. Solomon concluded that such intellectual, godless and endless pursuits of knowledge are just “a weariness of the flesh.” 

It is surprising to note that there was an abundance of books being written even 3,000 years ago. How much more in our time after 3,000 years! Subject matter experts generally estimate tens of millions of English-language books exist worldwide today, with the number growing rapidly each year. These books cover a huge number of subjects under the sun. There are endless opinions about life and philosophies on how we can live happy, successful, enjoyable, healthy and long lives. They could be read and studied forever. But be aware, many of them are utterly worthless and harmful! We ought to thank God for giving us one Book, the Bible, which is “settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89). This Book gives us all the instructions to live a God-pleasing, God-honouring, blessed life. This Book is “able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus…. and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Tim 3:15-17).

Solomon warned that “much study is a weariness of the flesh” – over-focusing on the study of human books in the pursuit of knowledge can be exhausting and overwhelming, causing weariness to the body without satisfaction and benefit to the soul. It is important to study and learn, but it can lead to mental fatigue and weariness if it replaces time with God. We all know that education will not solve the problems of life. We should spend much of our time and energy to learn and feed on the Word of God, which is profitable, sweet and refreshing to the soul. 

The teaching is not anti-reading or a dismissal of learning, but a call to prioritize spiritual knowledge and wisdom that enrich the soul. This verse prompts us to evaluate our lives and the ways we seek knowledge and understanding. In a world that equates success with degrees, accolades and a wealth of knowledge, this verse challenges us to question the motivations behind our learning and accumulation of knowledge. Are we pursuing education and knowledge for personal growth and spiritual enrichment, or merely for personal satisfaction and glory? The only daughter of my university classmate, an unbeliever and single in her late thirties, proudly holds a double PHD, but she does not hold a job. Is this not a vain pursuit of knowledge and accolades for self-satisfaction?  

 Conclusion

In Ecclesiastes 12:11-12, Solomon emphasised the value and importance of God’s Word and wisdom, comparing them to goads that guide and lead us, and to fastened nails that provide stability and security, ultimately highlighting that true wisdom comes from one shepherd who is none other than our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Just as a GPS (Global Positioning System) guides us through complex routes to our destination, the words of the wise – the goads and nails fastened – will steer us through our complex and challenging life toward a pathway strait and narrow heading towards heaven. With regard to the pursuit of human knowledge, Solomon warned against the endless pursuit of worldly knowledge and the weariness that can result from excessive study, emphasizing the limitations of human knowledge, and the importance of discernment and priority in focusing on spiritual wisdom that can only come from studying and applying God’s Word. We can ignore the many books of men, but we must never ignore the Book of God, the Bible – “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105). AMEN.