Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

June 3
Monday


WISE WORDS

READ:
Ecclesiastes 12:6-14
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The words of the wise
are like goads, and the
words of scholars are
like well-driven nails,
given by one Shepherd.
__Ecclesiastes 12:11
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Now in my sixties, I reflect back on wise spiritual leaders who had a positive impact on my life. In Bible school, God used my Old Testament professor to make the Word come alive. My Greek teacher relentlessly employed high standards to goad my study of the New Testament. And the senior pastor in my first pastoral ministry shepherded me in building vital ministries to help others grow spiritually. Each of these teachers encouraged me in different ways.

King Solomon wisely observed some ways that spiritual leaders can help us grow: "The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails. given by one Shepherd" (Eccl. 12:11). Some teachers prod us; others build solid spiritual structures into our lives. Still others, as caring shepherds, are there with a listening ear when we hurt.

The Good Shepherd has given leaders a variety of gifts: exhorting, developing, and shepherding. Whether we're a leader or a learner, though, he desires that we maintain humble hearts and a love for others. What a privilege to be led and used by our Shepherd to encourage others in their walk with HIm. __Dennis Fisher

`````````````````Give us the wisdom we need, Lord, to encourage``````````````
``````````````others in their spiritual walk. We know we need Your`````````````
`````````````````Spirit's power to do that. Use the gifts You have``````````````
``````````````````given us to help others along on their journey.```````````````
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May our words reflect the heart of God
and HIs wisdom.

***********************Today's Bible Reading __ Ecclesiastes 12:6-14*************************

6 Remember your Creator
before the silver cord is
loosed, or the golden bowl
is broken, or the pitcher
shattered at the fountain, or
the wheel broken at the
well. 7 Then the dust will
return to the earth as it was,
and the spirit will return to
God who gave it.

8 "Vanity of vanities," says
the Preacher, "all is vanity."

9 And moreover, because
the Preacher was wise, he
still taught the people
knowledge; yes, he
pondered and sought out
and set in order many
proverbs. 10 The Preacher
sought to find acceptable
words; and what was
written was upright__words
of truth.

11 The words of the wise
are like goads, and the
words ofscholars are like
well__driven nails, given by
one Shepherd. 12 And
further, my son, be
admonished by these. Of
making many books there is
no end, and much study is
wearisome to the flesh.

13 Let us hear the
conclusion of the whole
matter: Fear God and keep
His commandments, for this
is man's all. 14 For God will
bring every work into
judgment, including every
secret thing, whether good
or evil.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Along with Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and Song of solomon, the book of
Ecclesiastes is part of the "wisdom literature" of the Old Testament.
Though the author does not name himself, his self-description gives
us clues to his identification. Ecclesiastes 1:1 says, "The words of
the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem." Most likely this
refers to Solomon. As the one who prayed for and received wisdom
from God (1 Kings 3:5-14), it is not surprising that he would present
wisdom to the congregation.