Wise as he was, there was wisdom beyond Solomon’s grasp. He investigated and turned his mind to understand. We've often said that we (Phil and Patti) want to listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit as we teach and write. But we also know that we must keep our "pencil sharp" and be ready to teach and write when we feel the nudging of the Holy Spirit. It seems as if Solomon wanted to keep his “pencil sharp’.

Do we keep our "pencil sharp" by reading His Word and listening to the Holy Spirit?

Solomon mentions the word "goad". A goad was an “instrument for guiding oxen, the long handle of which might be used as a formidable weapon. The instrument, still used in southern Europe and western Asia, consists of a rod about eight feet long, brought to a sharp point and sometimes cased with iron at the bigger end, to clear the plow of clay.
Figuratively to ‘kick against the goads’ was a proverbial expression for unavailing resistance to superior power.”
(from New Unger's Bible Dictionary)

Look at the context for the use of the word goad. It mentions “The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails-- given by one Shepherd.

My, my, did Solomon know about THE Shepherd? Did he know about THE Shepherd’s nails on the cross? Did he know about the collected sayings (God’s Word) and why they were written?

How often do we “kick against the goads” and rebel against God’s authority in our lives? Ouch!