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Meaning(less) A series on Ecclesiastes

Part 5 – 11/29/2020 

 

Chapter 12:9-14 – we have been given wisdom in the preceding chapters, now Solomon talks about living according to a creed.

 

12:9 Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs.

  • It’s good to have wisdom but it’s even better to be wise AND teach it and pass it on to the next generation.

 

12:10 The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.

  • The writings of the Bible are admonitions just as God created them. 
    • God will not mislead you.
      • Man’s wisdom may steer you wrong.
      • God’s truth NEVER will.

 

12:11 The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one shepherd.

  • What is a goad?  A shepherd had 2 instruments – a shepherd’s staff is a long instrument (staff would comfort you – it could deal a blow to an enemy).  The rod was short, it was used to protect the sheep from the greatest enemy – itself. The rod would guide the sheep. 
  • The rod or goad will help keep that sheep in place, moving them to where they need to be.  
  • The Word of God is like that goad.  It can make you uncomfortable, getting you back in the direction of where you need to be. – Protective instrument
  • 11b – “firmly embedded nail” – peg.  Nail the peg in, and hang your valuables on.  The Messiah was referred to as a peg in the book of Zacharaiah.  
  • Are you intentional with your time with the Lord?  
  • Prophet or Parrot?  
  • Make this your sweetest time of the day.

 

12:12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them.  Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.

  • Be warned going beyond your Bible and trusting in humans.
  • Man is a finite creature, and will never come to an infinite mind.  
  • The Bible can only come from God.  

 

12:13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter:

Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.

  • Fear God and Keep His commandments.
  • This is the whole of man – the essence of what a human should be
  • Chief end of man – to know God and enjoy Him forever.
  • You’ll know God if you walk with Him

 

12:14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

  • Everything you work towards ushers you into eternity.  
    • You don’t get a redo of life.  Make this one count for eternity.

 

SUMMARY:

  1. Learn about God and obey Him
  2. Don’t assume that because you obey God, “No bad thing will happen to you”
  3. When bad does happen, rest in God – rest in God’s Sovereignty
  4. Hold your course by doing what is right – stay poised (the safest place to be is in the good conscience of God).
  5. Live boldly – don’t worry about what might happen, live a holy life and let the chips fall as they might.
  6. Enjoy your life.  Work hard and you go home and enjoy your family.