Book Ecclesiastes Chapter 12 Verse 11 and 12
The words of the wise are like goads, and masters of collections are like driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive study is wearying to the body.
Asyndeton, a new character in the Bookish and the Brave, begins to speak this wise saying as a way of introducing himself to the audience. The series focuses on the relationship we have between knowledge, wisdom and ultimately truth. Through playing D&D, I try to personify this experience of learning and studying by granting the players harrowing monsters to fight and fantastic realms to explore.
It’s true though - writing is weariness and there is no end to study. And let me say directly that this is not because writing wisdom and studying knowledge is a bad thing - far from it. It’s good.
But it’s not the only thing.
I hope that through this episode and the expected continuation of his story, we find that a single dimensional life of gathering information is not enough, nor is cloistering oneself in a tower. Study requires Practice.
And is it not like our Creator to also require practice from study?
Like the sky and the earth need one another, so to study and practice. And indeed, this wears us out, like the wick of a candle - all to glorify God through the extinguished life.
A big thanks to Rhett who plays Asyndeton. Take the time to visit Stack O' Dice Podcast, where you can hear Rhett as the dungeon master.
Thank you for listening, Sojourners. Your attention will not go unrewarded.
May your story continue.
Study is Only One Part of Life