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Ecclesiastes 12:11-13
New American Standard Bible

Chapter 12

11The words of the wise are like goads, and masters of these collections are like driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. 12But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive study is wearying to the body.
13The conclusion, when everything has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.
King James Version

Chapter 12

11The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. 12And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
13Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Christian Standard Bible

Chapter 12

11The sayings of the wise are like cattle prods, and those from masters of collections are like firmly embedded nails. The sayings are given by one Shepherd.
12But beyond these, my son, be warned: there is no end to the making of many books, and much study wearies the body. 13When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: fear God and keep his commands, because this is for all humanity.
New Living Translation

Chapter 12

11The words of the wise are like cattle prods — painful but helpful. Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd drives the sheep.
12But, my child, let me give you some further advice: Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out.
13That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.
English Standard Version

Chapter 12

11The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. 12My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
13The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
New International Version

Chapter 12

11The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one shepherd.
12Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.
13Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.
New King James Version

Chapter 12

11The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. 12And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh.
13Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.
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