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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)

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 12:11 Or Shepherd
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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.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 12:11 This verse establishes the divine inspiration of Ecclesiastes.
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Ecclesiastes 12:11-12
King James Version

11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.

12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

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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.

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Footnotes

  1. 12.11 a shepherd: This may be a reference to God as shepherd (see also Psalm 23.1).
  2. 12.11 These sayings … together: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
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