[lockeliberty]

So when Paul was inspired to use the term, "goads", was he being naughty?

Repent of your legalism.

[xzins]

Goad??? There's no problem with goad. It's not legalism to point out legitimate means of words.

Merriam-Webster: Main Entry: 1goad Pronunciation: 'gOd Function: noun Etymology: Middle English gode, from Old English gAd spear, goad; akin to Langobardic gaida spear, and perhaps to Sanskrit hinoti he urges on 1 a : something that pricks like a goad : THORN b : something that urges or stimulates into action : SPUR 2 : a pointed rod used to urge on an animal synonym see MOTIVE ,

Your word is also a type of tree, an adejective meaning "full of pus," and some variety of skunk.

The context will tell if those are what is meant.