Foolish shepherd: One who conducts themself like children, they misguide the people, and are careless in protecting the flock from predator attack, over which, they have been given authority, (Zechariah 11:16-17).
Woe to the idle shepherd that leaves the flock, and goes with the false one, leading the people astray. He “takes from those who have worked and earned theirs, and give it to those who don’t deserve it.” Pastor, Arnold Murray, Shepherd’s Chapel.
In Holy Scripture, shepherds are used to represent leaders of God’s people. In (Jeremiah 23:2), God says instead of you leading my flock to safety, you have driven them to destruction and now I will pour out judgment upon you for the evil you have done to them. You failed to tend to MY wounded and sick sheep, and too failed at rescuing the lost and trapped ones.
Foolish shepherds, some of you have been!
A useless shepherd to God is one who lacks will and ability to oversee care of HIS flock; taking on this role is a foolish move for the idle. Because every sheep must be accounted for, there are consequences in the end for foolishness.
Zechariah 11:16-17
New International Version
16 “For I am going to raise up a shepherd over the land who will not care for the lost, or seek the young, or heal the injured, or feed the healthy, but will eat the meat of the choice sheep, tearing off their hooves.
17 “Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered, his right eye totally blinded!” ”
Zechariah 11:16-17
King James Version
16 “For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces.
17 Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.”
Zechariah 11:16-17
Living Bible
16 “And he said to me, “This illustrates how I will give this nation a shepherd who will not care for the dying ones, nor look after the young, nor heal the broken bones, nor feed the healthy ones, nor carry the lame that cannot walk; instead, he will eat the fat ones, even tearing off their feet. 17 Woe to this worthless shepherd who doesn’t care for the flock. God’s sword will cut his arm and pierce through his right eye; his arm will become useless and his right eye blinded.” ”
Jeremiah 23:2
New International Version
2 “Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: “Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done,” declares the Lord.”
Jeremiah 23:2
King James Version
2 “Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord.”
Jeremiah 23:2
Living Bible
2 “Instead of leading my flock to safety, you have deserted them and driven them to destruction. And now I will pour out judgment upon you for the evil you have done to them.”