Ecc 12:11-12

blackhole

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Solomon wished for his son to be admonished by the words of the wise and scholars, rather than to study too much. But don't the wise and scholars become so through much study, and isn't the role they play one which is commendable to pursue? Why then is it that Solomon seemingly suggests that his son should not study too much?

Ecc 12:11-12
(11) The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd.
(12) And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh.
 

Aussie Pete

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Solomon wished for his son to be admonished by the words of the wise and scholars, rather than to study too much. But don't the wise and scholars become so through much study, and isn't the role they play one which is commendable to pursue? Why then is it that Solomon seemingly suggests that his son should not study too much?

Ecc 12:11-12
(11) The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd.
(12) And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh.
You can over study. I've done it myself. It can become an end in itself when it is meant to edify us and bring us freedom. If what we study does not become a part of us, it is just information. I've always enjoyed research and learning - if it interested me. When I was 9, I was reading up on the laws of aerodynamics, how a wing produces lift and such. But I never learned to fly an aircraft.
 
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truthisfreedom2019

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Some obtain wisdom to give in the way that James advised not needing to study much. James 1:5 {But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.}
 
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Josheb

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Not only has everyone made valid points so far but we should realize God saw fit to let inspired-but-still-flawed men occasionally post from their flesh and their doing so sometimes evidenced their sinful nature or disobedience.

We see this when Solomon declares, "Vanity! Vanity! Life is vanity!" We necessarily understand life is not vanity or meaningless, especially not life in Christ. We see this in Job. We see this with Jonah's rebellion. We see this with Elijah's despair. We see this when Paul offers personal opinion on marriage. His desire that all would remain single directly conflicts with the first command God ever gave humanity: "Be fruitful, and multiply...." There is an inspired purpose even in these examples. In the case of Solomon (and before him, his father David), we see the influence of adulterous marriage to pagan wives. The man who believes life is meaningless, btw, is not a man of peace.
 
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blackhole

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Some obtain wisdom to give in the way that James advised not needing to study much. James 1:5 {But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.}

That verse says nothing about whether James advised on needing to studying much.
 
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truthisfreedom2019

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That verse says nothing about whether James advised on needing to studying much.
Wisdom comes outside and before the books. Books do not create themselves. God gives wisdom to people and some write books to share it. You are right James does not go into them details.
 
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1213

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...seemingly suggests that his son should not study too much?

Ecc 12:11-12
(11) The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd.
(12) And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh.

I think it is only a warning what it can bring, it doesn’t mean that one shouldn’t study.
 
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faroukfarouk

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Some obtain wisdom to give in the way that James advised not needing to study much. James 1:5 {But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.}
Great verse there. I also often think about 1 Corinthians 1.30-31:

"But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."
 
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