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Epilogue. [a]Besides being wise, Qoheleth taught the people knowledge, and weighed, scrutinized and arranged many proverbs. 10 Qoheleth sought to find appropriate sayings, and to write down true sayings with precision. 11 The sayings of the wise are like goads; like fixed spikes are the collected sayings given by one shepherd.[b]

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Footnotes

  1. 12:9 A disciple briefly describes and praises the master’s skill and reputation as a sage.
  2. 12:11 One shepherd: perhaps referring to the book’s author, who gathers or “shepherds” together its contents. God could also be “the one shepherd,” the ultimate depository and source of true wisdom.

The Conclusion of the Matter

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.(A) 10 The Teacher(B) searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.(C)

11 The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails(D)—given by one shepherd.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 12:11 Or Shepherd