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Daily Devotion: Judges 3:31 (2)

Judges 3:31    "And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel."

Ecclesiastes 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."

I realize that I used Judges 3:31 recently, but this verse has stayed with me. I have thought so much on the importance of words and actions which can guide our lives. This morning, I included the entire verse from Ecclesiastes because the second half speaks concerning my thoughts.  First, let's be reminded that Shamgar was the judge who slew 600 men with an ox goad - a stick with a sharp point, or sometimes a metal blade, that was used to direct oxen when working. I also have a picture of the man who works with elephants in the circus. He uses a goad to  direct the elephant's movement.

 What does all this have to do with one another?  "The words of the wise are as goad. and (the words of the wise) are as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies." A master carpenter knows exactly where to place the nail and he drives it straight into its place where it gives strength in joining two pieces of wood together. The words of the wise are as that "ox goad" and as the nail in the hands of the master assembler (carpenter). First, we can know there are times to speak and there are times to listen. The wise man, Solomon, had much to say about our words. One very important aspect is to know that "he that refraineth his lips is wise." We don't always have to have an answer when someone tells us their struggles. Sometimes a good listener is just as important as having good answers. Next, we need to understand that "grievous words stir up anger,... but the words of the pure are pleasant words."  One last thought (though there are many others) is found in the book of Proverbs, "There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health." (Proverbs 12:18)  Our words can destroy others or our words can build them up. I want to use words of wisdom that direct and join good with good. I want to use my words for good and for healing. I know you do also. 

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