Of making many books there is no end
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Ecclesiastes 12
With the threat of electronic media, some traditional publishers may be relieved at this verse:
“of making many books there is no end”
And students can particularly identify with the second half:
“and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” (Ecclesiastes 12:12)
Even wise king Solomon sees the weariness of books and learning. This is yet one more “vanity of vanities” that he observes: wordiness. Does the world really need another paperback “bestseller”? Do we really need another PhD? Where does the inflation of words and study take us?
Well one verse earlier, Solomon shows us how to prick our word-y bubbles:
The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. (Ecclesiastes 12:11)
There is a Good Shepherd whose wisdom does not simply puff us up. His wisdom deflates our bubbles and gives us true direction. Even if it’s painful (goads are animal prods) Christ guides us into all truth.
What do you need to move forwards in your Christian life? The new best-seller? A subscription to that popular podcast? To attend that life-changing conference? Ultimately, it’s much more mundane but so much more powerful. The word of Christ is where true wisdom is found.
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