DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHEEP & GOATS

 

“And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats.” (Matthew 25:32)

How would you explain the difference between sheep and goats to someone who is unfamiliar with either animal? (Consider Matthew 25:31-34) Think about it: Goats smell bad, but sheep don’t smell good. Sheep have split hooves, and so do goats. Goats have horns, and so do sheep. If they have horns, sheep horns are wide and curl on loops around the head and goat horns are narrower and upright. Sheep have wool, and so do goats. Sheep grow wool that must be sheared in the domesticated breeds, and goats have hair that does not have to be sheared or combed. Sheep do not have beards and some sheep have manes, and some goat breeds have beards. Sheep are bulkier than goats and goats are thinner than sheep. Sheep have long hanging tails that are usually cut short for sanitary reasons, and a goat has a short tail that usually points up. Sheep have a divided upper lip that is very noticeable, and goats do not. Both animals butt heads, but a sheep backs away and then charges while a goat stands up on his hind legs and comes down with force. Sheep prefer grass and clover, and goats prefer shrubs, leaves, and twigs. Sheep prefer to stick with the flock while goats tend to be more independent and curious; on the other hand, a sheep likes quiet solitude whereas a goat likes a whirlwind of activity.

One especially noteworthy characteristic of goats is that a goat is the more religious animal; goats spend more time on their knees keeping up an appearance of piety than any other animal. Being more religious does not necessarily mean being more spiritual or closer to the truth; it often means the opposite.

“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” (John 10:14) “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)