Our words should be like nails that we are hammering down

BibleBeliever1611 · May 9, 2026

I heard a preacher say that our words should be like nails that we are hammering down. And I've been thinking about that and I like that idea a lot. What does this accomplish: it destroyes confusion. It brings unity and peace. The Bible said that the righteous is bold like a lion. Being that bold would be like banging the nail so hard that it goes all the way down in one blow. Truth and right doctrine should be preached like nails are banged into the wood. The harder the nail is banged, the harder it is for it to come loose again. Imagine a person who doesn't really know if calvinism is true or false. But then you just bang the truth to him so hard that it just becomes abundantly clear which is the right doctrine (calvinism is false). This is what we need to do with doctrine. Bang it so hard that it never comes loose again.

Ecclesiastes 12:11 says: "The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd."

This is the illustration that should be applied when preaching the Bible, whether it is for a congregation or unsaved people.

Jesus is my Superhero · May 9, 2026

What about righteousness being sown in peace by those who make peace? launching a verbal barrage upon someone is usually a turn off and the person will shut their mind to any acceptance of the message. Am I misunderstanding your message?

BibleBeliever1611 · May 9, 2026

Jesus is my Superhero said:
What about righteousness being sown in peace by those who make peace? launching a verbal barrage upon someone is usually a turn off and the person will shut their mind to any acceptance of the message. Am I misunderstanding your message?

Well, what is a goad? It is a stick that is used to poke an animal. And if you think about it, what is the Bible often called? What is the foundation of the Christian faith often called? It's called a sword. A sword is a weapon. A weapon is something that is used to hurt people. And sometimes when people are not right with God, preaching of the Bible can hurt quite a bit because it's like a sword piercing you verbally and mentally. But people need to learn to deal with that.

In regards to verbal barrage, I don't think it's a turn-off. It is only a turn-off if you have character issues. It shows bad character if you can't take rebuke. Is it a turn-off if your boss at work is angry with you coming late to work? People receive verbal barrage in other ways and forms in their lives anyways and that's completely normal. So how much MORE normal should it be when it comes to the things of God? The things of God are way more important than anything else. If you are saved, you are literally called to be an ambassador for Christ. Think about it. That's way more important than being an ambassador for the president of the USA or literally any other person on earth, no matter how powerful. So how much more important do you think that is than going to work in time. Just food for thought.

BibleBeliever1611 · May 9, 2026

(staff edit of a deleted post)

I did present the Bible verse where it says words should be like goads and nails. And if you have a problem with that then you have a problem with the Bible not me.

And the thing is if you know you're right you're just right. You know you're right if you're filled with the Spirit and walking in the Spirit. Being solid on doctrine and having no doubt that you're right is exactly what the Bible verse Ecclestiastes 12:11 is saying. You should have doctrine nailed down and not wonder if you're even right. And then going out and preaching to other people hammering the nails.

And this is what I would like to ask. Is there in any situation, ever, where it would be appropriate to take rebuke? To admit that you're wrong? To say that the other person is right and you're wrong? Those should just be normal things that are part of being human and part of life. If people are so stubborn and prideful that they can never take rebuke or admit of being wrong in any situation, then yes, that is obviously a character flaw.

St_Worm2 · May 9, 2026

BibleBeliever1611 said:
I heard a preacher say that our words should be like nails that we are hammering down. And I've been thinking about that and I like that idea a lot. What does this accomplish: it destroyes confusion. It brings unity and peace.

Hello BibleBeliever1611, while I agree that preaching the truth of God is extremely important, as it (among other things) is meant to help "goad" us in the right direction (towards God and godly living, that is), I must say that the idea of "hammering" the truth down (or home) sounds an awful lot like the familiar complaint that is often levied against us (by unbelievers) about this kind of behavior, that they feel like someone is "beating them over the head with the Bible"

Perhaps this is why the Bible, which tells us that we need to preach the truth to others, also makes it clear that we must always do so "in love"/in a loving manner .. e.g. Ephesians 4:15 because, when we do not, the truth that we speak will sound like nothing more than noise to those who are listening to us (1 Corinthians 13:1-2). IOW, what we have to say to them (about God and His truth) will never be heard by them whenever the truth is brought to bear by us in an uncharitable/uncaring/unloving manner, so it also seems to me that speaking the truth by itself (apart from love) will actually cause confusion and destroy unity and peace, especially on the part of those who are not Christians.

The Bible also tells us that we should never think lightly about how the Lord has chosen to treat us (about His goodness, lovingkindness, forbearance, and patience towards us, that is), because it is His kindness that leads us to repentance, yes .. e.g. Romans 2:4.

So, I also believe that these are qualities of His that we should imitate in all of our relationships and/or dealings with others (whether we are speaking with those who are already part of the household of the faith, or with those who are still outside of Christ).

God bless you!!

--David

Psalm 85

10 Lovingkindness and truth have met together;

Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

BibleBeliever1611 · May 10, 2026

St_Worm2 said:
Hello BibleBeliever1611, while I agree that preaching the truth of God is extremely important, as it (among other things) is meant to help "goad" us in the right direction (towards God and godly living, that is), I must say that the idea of "hammering" the truth down (or home) sounds an awful lot like the familiar complaint that is often levied against us (by unbelievers) about this kind of behavior, that they feel like someone is "beating them over the head with the Bible"

Perhaps this is why the Bible, which tells us that we need to preach the truth to others, also makes it clear that we must always do so "in love"/in a loving manner .. e.g. Ephesians 4:15 because, when we do not, the truth that we speak will sound like nothing more than noise to those who are listening to us (1 Corinthians 13:1-2). IOW, what we have to say to them (about God and His truth) will never be heard by them whenever the truth is brought to bear by us in an uncharitable/uncaring/unloving manner, so it also seems to me that speaking the truth by itself (apart from love) will actually cause confusion and destroy unity and peace, especially on the part of those who are not Christians.

The Bible also tells us that we should never think lightly about how the Lord has chosen to treat us (about His goodness, lovingkindness, forbearance, and patience towards us, that is), because it is His kindness that leads us to repentance, yes .. e.g. Romans 2:4.

So, I also believe that these are qualities of His that we should imitate in all of our relationships and/or dealings with others (whether we are speaking with those who are already part of the household of the faith, or with those who are still outside of Christ).

God bless you!!

--David

Psalm 85
10 Lovingkindness and truth have met together;
Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

I don't care what the unbelievers think. They can think whatever they want. Maybe your post just shows that you are siding with the unbelievers a little bit and siding less with Christ and less with Christians. I don't care if the unbelievers become so frustrated with this idea that they become blue in the face and melt in anger, I'm still going to believe this idea that words should be like nails, and they should be hammered down, for the sole reason that the BIBLE teaches this.

St_Worm2 · May 11, 2026

BibleBeliever1611 said:
I don't care what the unbelievers think. They can think whatever they want.

Hello again BibleBeliever1611, I appreciate your honesty, but I'm also surprised by it (not your honesty, but your sentiment concerning the lost). I'm also particularly thankful that the same is not true of the Lord Jesus Christ (concerning the lost), who loved us and cared so much about us that He came here as a man and died on the Cross for us/in our stead .. e.g. Romans 5:8 (so that He wouldn't have to live out eternity without us, nor we without Him :amen:

).

His principal reason for coming here was to save His people from their sins, was it not .. e.g. Matthew 1:21?

Quite frankly, since He had/has no "need" of us, He did what He did for us simply because He loves us and cares what happens to us, knowing that if He hadn't done so that there would have been no Incarnation & no Cross, no redemption & forgiveness of our sins, no salvation & no eternal life for any of us, just a terrifying expectation of judgement and condemnation for us all.

BibleBeliever1611 said:
Maybe your post just shows that you are siding with the unbelievers a little bit and siding less with Christ and less with Christians.

Anything is possible, I suppose, but since the Lord Jesus' final words to us (prior to His ascension back into Heaven) were (first & foremost) concerned with presenting/explaining the Gospel to the unbelievers of this world (e.g. Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8), it seems to me that I'm not taking sides here, just choosing to be obedient to His final marching orders.

And as the Apostle Paul admonishes us (concerning doing good towards each other and everyone else in this world),

Galatians 6

9 Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto ~all~ men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

BibleBeliever1611 said:
I don't care if the unbelievers become so frustrated with this idea that they become blue in the face and melt in anger, I'm still going to believe this idea that words should be like nails, and they should be hammered down, for the sole reason that the BIBLE teaches this.

As far as v11 telling us that the sayings of the wise (sayings that originate with the One Shepherd Himself) are like a cattle prod or an oxgoad (in their ability to encourage us to move towards Him, and to live an obedient/godly life before Him), I agree with you. What this does not mean, however, is that He intends for us to use His words (as an oxgoad) in a cruel, harsh and/or violent way, but that we should bring them to bear in the lives of others in the same, loving manner that He did with us. As a for instance, the Lord, through the pen of the Apostle tells us this,

1 Peter 3

15 Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.

You may also want to consider what Jesus has to say about all of this in Matthew 5:43-48 (see below)

God bless you!!

--David

Matthew 5

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?

48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

2PhiloVoid · May 11, 2026

BibleBeliever1611 said:
I heard a preacher say that our words should be like nails that we are hammering down. And I've been thinking about that and I like that idea a lot. What does this accomplish: it destroyes confusion. It brings unity and peace. The Bible said that the righteous is bold like a lion. Being that bold would be like banging the nail so hard that it goes all the way down in one blow. Truth and right doctrine should be preached like nails are banged into the wood. The harder the nail is banged, the harder it is for it to come loose again. Imagine a person who doesn't really know if calvinism is true or false. But then you just bang the truth to him so hard that it just becomes abundantly clear which is the right doctrine (calvinism is false). This is what we need to do with doctrine. Bang it so hard that it never comes loose again.

Ecclesiastes 12:11 says: "The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd."

This is the illustration that should be applied when preaching the Bible, whether it is for a congregation or unsaved people.

Too bad both Hermeneutical and Critical Studies of the Bible put a well placed roadblock on anyone having to take too seriously your terrible exegesis and apparent misapplication.

BibleBeliever1611 · May 12, 2026

2PhiloVoid said:
Too bad both Hermeneutical and Critical Studies of the Bible put a well placed roadblock on anyone having to take too seriously your terrible exegesis and apparent misapplication.

That's not an argument. But to be totally honest, I'm glad my thread gets more visibility by you posting your troll posts.

2PhiloVoid · May 12, 2026

BibleBeliever1611 said:
That's not an argument. But to be totally honest, I'm glad my thread gets more visibility by you posting your troll posts.

Maybe learn to discern better, brother? I am critical, and I am discerning. That's what a degree in Philosophy affords me at the least, whether you like it or not, and for the fact that you've posted your OP in a Philosophy forum.

Let me be MORE CLEAR: Refrain from using decontextualized and truncated readings of singular bible verses, such as the one you've sporadically latched onto, solely as opportunities to nail people in the forehead.... with 'truth.'

You see? That Sword swings both ways. Scripture is to be used, even boldly, to serve people for the purpose of Grace and Mercy, not to severe them from Grace and Mercy. So, what I'd expect you to do at this point is put your prayer hands down and go purchase some good books or lessons on better Biblical Hermeneutics and Biblical Exegesis than what you've thus far been able to produce here.

What else can you do to prevent me from applying the same sort of exegesis (bad exegesis) you're applying, from which I'll drop kick a quote like you're doing in the OP:

Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. --Proverbs 27:6

Chaplain Jim · May 12, 2026

Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

FreeinChrist · May 12, 2026

ADVISOR HAT

This thread was moved from Ethics & Morality to a Christian Only forum which is more appropriate for the topic.

A clean up was done.

ViaCrucis · May 16, 2026

To be perfectly clear, I'm still unsure what words being hammered like nails actually means here. Are we talking about confidence in Christian truth via faith, or something else?

Seems to me that confidence in the Gospel is something that the Holy Spirit works in our heart, through faith, through the peace and grace of God who gives us this great gift of faith by the Holy Gospel itself.

If I'm just hammering down words so hard that they can't be loosed, then how can I possibly expect to be corrected by good and faithful teaching, or keep myself open to the corrective power of the Holy Spirit who works to soften the stony heart, and sanctify us by bringing us toward Christ, in faith--rather than certainty in our own human ability, which is rotten with sin and death?

The Holy Spirit works faith, through the word (Romans 10:17) so that I can have confidence, assurance in the things of God. As God graciously works and gives His good things in us; for here even a rebuke can be a good thing when it grounds us in the gracious word and work of God in Christ. We all need a good rebuke, for like sheep needing a sheperd's crook to goad us away from danger, so do those who administer the preaching of the Word, pull and poke us with the Word; and the Holy Spirit works through the Word to ground us in faith.

Is that what the OP meant by hammering nails? Because I'm not altogether sure the OP did mean this, but if so that would be somewhat agreeable.

JustaPewFiller · May 17, 2026

Some years ago, a visiting pastor delivered a sermon at great volume and with great emphasis. By this I mean, he basically yelled and screamed the sermon for 45 minutes.

I remember on person shaking his hand after service and saying, "I'm not sure what you said, but you sure said it LOUD."

I think there is a time and place for all styles of sharing the Word. Someone who keeps committing the same sin over and over and over might benefit from the "hammer and nail" approach. But, I think "hammer and nail" approach when offering comfort to someone who has just lost a loved one would not be best.

Strong in Him · May 19, 2026

BibleBeliever1611 said:
I don't care what the unbelievers think.

Not caring what they think in the sense of, "I think those Christians are crazy"; yes. We are told to bear witness to Christ, put him first and remain faithful to him. Which means standing firm on the truth of the Gospel and not letting ourselves be influenced by unbelievers.
But if you mean "not caring what they think" in terms of a non Christian saying "I don't understand those words/agree with your explanation" and your response would be "tough - it's Biblical", that would not be acting in love or living out the light of the Gospel.

BibleBeliever1611 said:
I don't care if the unbelievers become so frustrated with this idea that they become blue in the face and melt in anger,

Strange that you don't care about unbelievers, because Jesus did.

Jesus did not give lectures or dogmatic teaching and say "I don't care if you don't like/understand this; do it." He told stories drawn from everyday life that people could relate to. He told parables that had more than one meaning and which invited thought. He was distressed when he saw people who were like sheep without a shepherd. He wept over Jerusalem and those who had stoned, and rejected, God's prophets. He told us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. He did not say "I don't care if you melt in anger" to the Pharisees - he challenged them and gave correct teaching.

BibleBeliever1611 said:
I'm still going to believe this idea that words should be like nails, and they should be hammered down, for the sole reason that the BIBLE teaches this.

You've found one verse which you say teaches that - and because you like what it teaches, you're going to ignore everything else?

BibleBeliever1611 · May 21, 2026

ViaCrucis said:
To be perfectly clear, I'm still unsure what words being hammered like nails actually means here. Are we talking about confidence in Christian truth via faith, or something else?

Seems to me that confidence in the Gospel is something that the Holy Spirit works in our heart, through faith, through the peace and grace of God who gives us this great gift of faith by the Holy Gospel itself.

If I'm just hammering down words so hard that they can't be loosed, then how can I possibly expect to be corrected by good and faithful teaching, or keep myself open to the corrective power of the Holy Spirit who works to soften the stony heart, and sanctify us by bringing us toward Christ, in faith--rather than certainty in our own human ability, which is rotten with sin and death?

The Holy Spirit works faith, through the word (Romans 10:17) so that I can have confidence, assurance in the things of God. As God graciously works and gives His good things in us; for here even a rebuke can be a good thing when it grounds us in the gracious word and work of God in Christ. We all need a good rebuke, for like sheep needing a sheperd's crook to goad us away from danger, so do those who administer the preaching of the Word, pull and poke us with the Word; and the Holy Spirit works through the Word to ground us in faith.

Is that what the OP meant by hammering nails? Because I'm not altogether sure the OP did mean this, but if so that would be somewhat agreeable.

Imagine the caricature of a person banging someone to the head with the Bible, that's literally what I mean. People can mock that idea yes but people will always mock Christians anyway, they even mocked Jesus Christ. I don't find anything wrong with that caricature, I mean if it's the word of God then why on earth would it be wrong to treat it like that?

Strong in Him · May 21, 2026

BibleBeliever1611 said:
Imagine the caricature of a person banging someone to the head with the Bible, that's literally what I mean. People can mock that idea yes but people will always mock Christians anyway, they even mocked Jesus Christ. I don't find anything wrong with that caricature, I mean if it's the word of God then why on earth would it be wrong to treat it like that?

You mean you would literally whack a non believer around the head with a Bible to drive home your message?

No! You can't mean that!
I'm not mocking that idea; if it's true, it's utterly awful.

ViaCrucis · May 21, 2026

BibleBeliever1611 said:
Imagine the caricature of a person banging someone to the head with the Bible, that's literally what I mean. People can mock that idea yes but people will always mock Christians anyway, they even mocked Jesus Christ. I don't find anything wrong with that caricature, I mean if it's the word of God then why on earth would it be wrong to treat it like that?

Because the Bible isn't meant to be banging someone on the head with, literally or figuratively. The Bible is to be read, by us who call ourselves Christ's--as we go out and the midst of our neighbors, with the word of God spoken in love and truth--which the Holy Spirit uses to convert our neighbors.

Why would it be wrong to use it like that? Just because its the word of God doesn't mean we can justify using it anyway we like. I'm not going to use the Bible as a coaster, or to help level my coffee table, that would be irreverent. In the same way, it would be wrong to use the Scriptures in a way that is abusive, false, or contrary to the will of God revealed in Christ--that would be irreverent. We honor the Scriptures most highly when we believe and confess what they say, and as we see how they point to Christ our Lord--because the Bible is always about Jesus Christ.

BibleBeliever1611 · May 22, 2026

ViaCrucis said:
Because the Bible isn't meant to be banging someone on the head with, literally or figuratively. The Bible is to be read, by us who call ourselves Christ's--as we go out and the midst of our neighbors, with the word of God spoken in love and truth--which the Holy Spirit uses to convert our neighbors.

Why would it be wrong to use it like that? Just because its the word of God doesn't mean we can justify using it anyway we like. I'm not going to use the Bible as a coaster, or to help level my coffee table, that would be irreverent. In the same way, it would be wrong to use the Scriptures in a way that is abusive, false, or contrary to the will of God revealed in Christ--that would be irreverent. We honor the Scriptures most highly when we believe and confess what they say, and as we see how they point to Christ our Lord--because the Bible is always about Jesus Christ.

Then you don't believe the Bible then because you don't believe the verses I just quoted on the first post. The words of the wise being like nails is a biblical concept. Preaching the truth regardless of what people think about it. And preaching hard, causing a little bit of drama if you will. That's biblical. The Bible is called a sword, a sword is a weapon.

Strong in Him · May 22, 2026

BibleBeliever1611 said:
The Bible is called a sword, a sword is a weapon.

No, the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God.
It's for the Spirit to use his own sword - not us. The Sword of the Spirit cuts the bad bits out of people's hearts. It doesn't give them a headache when Christians decide to use it as a hammer.

Our words should be like nails that we are hammering down

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