Ecclesiastes 12:11

The words of the sages are like prods, ¹  and the collected sayings are like firmly fixed nails; they are given by one shepherd.

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

The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd.

A wise teacher’s words spur students to action and emphasize important truths. The collected sayings of the wise are like guidance from a shepherd.

The words of the wise prod us to live well. They're like nails hammered home, holding life together. They are given by God, the one Shepherd.

The words of the wise are pointed, and sayings grouped together are like nails fixed with a hammer; they are given by one guide.

The sayings of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings that are given by one shepherd.

The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well–driven nails, given by one Shepherd.

The words of the sages are like prods, ¹  and the collected sayings are like firmly fixed nails; they are given by one shepherd.

¹ tn Or “goads”; NCV “sharp sticks used to guide animals.” For further information see M. A. Fishbane, Biblical Interpretation, 29–32.