Mastering the Words of the Wise

“The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails ; they are given by one Shepherd.”  (Ecclesiastes 12:11, NAS)

When working with livestock, like an oxen pulling a plow or a cart, the animal doesn’t always want to go on since pulling the load (or plow) seems so difficult.  In this case, a goad will spur the animal forward even when it doesn’t feel like it.  Sometimes in life, it feels like we’ve got a tough road to hoe or the load we’re pulling seems too hard.  All we want to do is stop and quit.  In these cases, a mentor, a wise man or woman’s words to us can keep us moving forward on the path God has for us.If we can master their words, that is, take what they say and own them for ourselves, make them a part not just of our minds, but our heart and life, we will be as solid as a nail driven in to a two by four.  Well driven nails serve their function well and are solid in the wood.  In the same way, if we can take the words of the wise to heart in our lives we too can serve our God given purpose and experience a solid life, not easily shifted by circumstances or situations surrounding us.

So what are some of the words of the wise, particularly when things get difficult and we don’t feel like going on?

• Galatians 6:9 – And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.  (NKJV)  When circumstances get tough and you feel like quitting, look to where you’re going instead of where you are.  Remember why you’re doing what you’re doing, and if you don’t know why you’re doing what you’re doing, figure it out, or stop doing it (see the next point).
• Matthew 11:28-30 – Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (NKJV)  Sometimes we take on things that were never meant for us.  Jesus always accomplished the will of His Father yet He never seemed harried or stressed out.  He only did what He saw His Father doing, not what others expected Him to do.  Sometimes we experience difficulty and challenges because we’re trying to do something that is good but that God never called us to.  Does that mean everytime we face a problem we should quit and assume we’re not in God’s will?  Absolutely not!  But, if we realize the only reason we’re doing something is because it seems like we should or we think others expect us to, that is not a good place to be.  In those cases, come to Jesus and take his yoke upon you instead of the one you’ve been carrying.