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Ecclesiastes 12:11-12
New International Version
Ecclesiastes 12:11-12
New International Version
11 The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails(A)—given by one shepherd.[a] 12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them.
Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.(B)
Footnotes
- Ecclesiastes 12:11 Or Shepherd
Ecclesiastes 12:11-12
Amplified Bible
Ecclesiastes 12:11-12
Amplified Bible
11 The words of the wise are like [prodding] goads, and these collected sayings are [firmly fixed in the mind] like well-driven nails; [a]they are given by one Shepherd.(A) 12 But beyond this my son, [about going further than the words given by one Shepherd], be warned: the writing of many books is endless [so do not believe everything you read], and excessive study and devotion to books is wearying to the body.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Ecclesiastes 12:11 This verse establishes the divine inspiration of Ecclesiastes.
Ecclesiastes 12:11-12
Contemporary English Version
Ecclesiastes 12:11-12
Contemporary English Version
11 Words of wisdom are like the stick a farmer uses to make animals move. These sayings come from a shepherd,[a] and they are like nails that fasten things together.[b] 12 My child, I warn you to stay away from any teachings except these.
There is no end to books,
and too much study
will wear you out.
New International Version (NIV) 
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Amplified Bible (AMP) 
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Contemporary English Version (CEV) 
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