Matthew Poole and continuators on Ecclesiastes 12:11

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

Not of secularly or politickly wise men, but of the spiritually wise and holy men of God; of which, and not of the former, this whole context treats.

Piercing into mens dull Minds, and hard Hearts, and quickening and provoking them to the practice of all their duties.

Which do not only amuse and startle men for the present, as the wise and grave Counsels of moral Philosophers frequently do, but make powerful and abiding impressions in them; which is the peculiar effect of Gods Word.

By the teachers of Gods Church and People, whether Prophets or others, appointed by God for that work.

From God, or from Jesus Christ, the great Shepheard and Teacher of the Church in all Ages, by whose Spirit the ancient Prophets, as well as other succeeding Teachers were inspired and taught, Ier. 3. 15. 1 Pet. 1. 11. & 2 Pet. 1. 21. And this clause seems to be added partly as the reason of that admirable Harmony and Agreement which is amongst all the men of God in all ages and places, because they are all taught by one Master, and guided by the same Hand; and partly to oblige us to the greater Attention and Reverence to all their Doctrines and Counsels, which we are to receive as the word of God, and not of Men only, as is said 1 Thes. 2. 13.