What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 7:21? Do not pay attention Solomon opens with a gentle warning not to fix our ears on every passing comment. • Proverbs 19:11 reminds us that “A man’s insight gives him patience, and it is to his glory to overlook an offense.” • James 1:19 urges, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,” guiding us to sift what we hear with calm discernment. • By choosing selective hearing, we protect our hearts from needless agitation and keep our focus on what truly honors God (Philippians 4:8). to every word The phrase “every word” highlights how easy it is to obsess over stray remarks. • Proverbs 17:9 notes that love “covers an offense,” while Proverbs 18:13 warns against reacting before understanding the whole matter. • Matthew 12:36 reminds us that careless speech is common—so expecting perfection from others sets us up for disappointment and conflict. that is spoken Words fly quickly, often without thought. • James 3:2 concedes, “We all stumble in many ways,” encouraging mercy toward speakers who slip. • Ecclesiastes 5:2 tells us, “Do not be quick with your mouth… God is in heaven and you are on earth,” nudging us to keep eternal perspective when evaluating earthly chatter. or you may hear Listening too intently can expose comments we were never meant to hear. • Proverbs 26:17 illustrates the danger of grabbing stray matters: “Like one who seizes a dog by the ears is a passerby who meddles in a quarrel not his own.” • Keeping an ear bent for gossip tempts us toward judgment instead of grace (Ephesians 4:29). your servant cursing you Even trusted people fail; hearing their outburst can wound pride and strain relationships. • The very next verse, Ecclesiastes 7:22, reminds us, “for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.” This levels the field—each of us has spoken poorly of someone. • Jesus teaches in Luke 6:28, “Bless those who curse you,” and 1 Peter 3:9 urges us not to return insult for insult but to give a blessing instead. • David modeled this when Shimei cursed him—he refused retaliation, leaving vindication to the Lord (2 Samuel 16:11–12). summary Ecclesiastes 7:21 counsels us to guard our hearts by refusing to fixate on every passing word. People—ourselves included—speak rashly. Listening for every slight breeds resentment; choosing restraint fosters peace, humility, and the gracious spirit that Scripture consistently commends. |
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