Words: Goads and Nails

June 26th, 2012

The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one shepherd.*

Now there’s a mix of metaphor. And simile. The similes I understand: Wise words are like goads, driving us on; they’re like nails, pounded in and fastened. But by a shepherd?

Apparently this is one multi-talented sheepherder, and multi-tooled.

And the sheep? I guess that’s dull witted us.

But my thoughts today are about the words themselves. Whether we’re a shepherd or a sheep, words are extensions of our ourselves, and the most powerful tools we have. With them we both create and destroy.

Seems they’re the most powerful things God has, too. He just said, “Let there be . . .” and all came into being.

In a similar way, we do the same. At the beginning of anything, we voice our ideas. It may be only to ourselves, but after that a new thing is born.

They also destroy. “Off with her head!” said the Queen of Hearts, too glibly and too often. We, I’m afraid, are guilty of same. It’s by our words we maim and murder.

Words are strong, even when soft. We use them casually, absently, too often foolishly. The wise use them with care, and often not at all.

Words are goads and nails, and a whole lot more.

Goads of the guide, leading from behind
Nails of the parent, driving lessons home
Fertile field of the poet
Molding clay of the teacher
Scepter of the leader
Door stop of the authority
Balm of the comforter
Wedge of the persuader
Bond of a marriage
Glue of a promise
Law of a contract
Flowers of a lover
Healer of the hurt
Clarifier of the confused
Enlightener of the simple
Forgiver of the offended
Connector of friends
Workbench of the thinker
Bomb of the destroyer
By them we command demons
By them we appeal to God

The list could go on. Feel free to add. Use your own words.

They are yours to use.

 

 

__________________________

*Ecclesiastes 12:11

Next: Let Your Words be Few. Coming Saturday.

5 Comments

  1. Dave Jun 26, 2012
    8:27 am

    It’s no accident that Romans 10:11 states, ‘…it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.’ In a non-trivial sense, we are what we say.

  2. Barbara Jun 26, 2012
    9:41 am

    Hyatt, You have such a gift to use words so eloquently. Thank you again!

  3. Norm Huie Jun 26, 2012
    11:27 am

    Question of the inquirer, admonishment of a brother, affirmation of Jesus. You’re right, Hyatt, words speak through the shallow veils and into the emotions, the soul and spirit. No surprise that the “Logos” is the tool by which God defines Himself, you and me, and the bond to be had between.

  4. Rita Hopper Jun 27, 2012
    6:06 am

    By their words shall you be known!

  5. Lisa Jun 29, 2012
    11:08 pm

    Loved this so much Hyatt! I pray that prayer so often, well pray the verse I mean, that says, “Lord, please put a watch over my mouth, that my words would be few and pure!” I still fall short and talk too much! I am glad I am allowed forgiveness and need to be reminded that I need to forgive others when they SAY the wrong thing too. Excellent Hyatt! How you think of so many of them, I don’t know! You are so gifted in so many ways! Best! Lisa