Ecclesiastes 7 21

Ecclesiastes 7:21 kjv

Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:

Ecclesiastes 7:21 nkjv

Also do not take to heart everything people say, Lest you hear your servant cursing you.

Ecclesiastes 7:21 niv

Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you?

Ecclesiastes 7:21 esv

Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you.

Ecclesiastes 7:21 nlt

Don't eavesdrop on others ? you may hear your servant curse you.

Ecclesiastes 7 verses

Ecclesiastes 7 21 Meaning

Ecclesiastes 7:21 advises against giving undue attention or allowing oneself to be troubled by every word spoken by others, especially those who may be in a subservient position. It highlights the pragmatic reality that if one listens intently to every utterance, they are bound to overhear something unfavorable or disrespectful, even from individuals like their own servant. The verse promotes a principle of selective hearing and a realistic acceptance of human imperfection to safeguard personal peace and prevent unnecessary distress.

Ecclesiastes 7 21 Context

Ecclesiastes 7:21 is positioned within Qoheleth’s broader exploration of wisdom, folly, and the challenging realities of life "under the sun"—human existence as experienced apart from a full understanding of God’s overarching plan. Specifically, verses 15-22 deal with the vexing issues of injustice and the pervasive nature of human sin. The immediate preceding verse, Ecclesiastes 7:20, states: "Indeed, there is no one righteous on earth who continually does good and who never sins." This serves as the foundational premise for verse 21: because all humans are inherently flawed and prone to sin, it is illogical and self-defeating to expect perfect speech or undying positive sentiment from anyone. The counsel against "taking to heart all words" directly follows this acknowledgement of universal sinfulness. Historically and culturally, ancient societies were stratified, and the master-servant relationship was commonplace. Qoheleth’s advice reflects a pragmatic wisdom for navigating daily interactions within such a structure, emphasizing peace of mind over futile efforts to control others' thoughts or overheard comments.

Ecclesiastes 7 21 Word Analysis

• Also (וְגַם - ve'gam): An emphasizing conjunction, adding this instruction as a continuation or significant amplification of the previous thoughts.
• do not take to heart (אַל־תֵּקַח לִבְּךָ - 'al-tekakh libekha):
  • 'al: A prohibitive particle, meaning "do not."
  • tekakh (from laqach, "to take" or "to receive"): In this context, to receive mentally, to seize upon, or to internalize deeply.
  • libekha (לִבְּךָ, "your heart"): In Hebrew anthropology, the "heart" signifies the entire inner person—intellect, will, emotion, and conscience. Thus, "taking to heart" means to dwell upon, to be deeply affected by, or to obsess over. The phrase warns against giving mental and emotional energy to every spoken word.
• all words (כָּל־הַדְּבָרִים - kol-haddevarim):
  • kol ("all," "every"): Indicates a comprehensive scope; not just specific instances but a general principle.
  • haddevarim ("the words"): Refers to utterances, speeches, or statements. The counsel applies to any form of verbal communication.
• which are spoken (אֲשֶׁר יְדַבֵּרוּ - 'asher yedabberu): Specifies that the caution applies to anything that is said, whether intentionally directed at you or simply overheard.
• lest you hear (פֶּן־תִּשְׁמַע - pen-tishma):
  • pen ("lest," "for fear that"): Signals the negative consequence or the potential undesirable outcome that the advice aims to prevent.
  • tishma (from shama, "to hear" or "to listen"): To perceive sound, especially in a manner of overhearing or catching comments.
• your servant (עַבְדֶּכָה - 'avdekha):
  • 'avdekha ("your servant" or "your slave"): A person who serves or is under another's authority. This specific example grounds the universal principle in a relatable, everyday social dynamic of Qoheleth’s time. It highlights that even those ostensibly loyal might voice complaints.
• cursing you (מְקַלְלֶךָ - meqalelkha):
  • meqalelkha (from qalal, "to curse," "to treat lightly," "to revile"): To speak ill of, insult, disparage, or express ill-will towards someone, often behind their back or in a contemptuous manner.

Words-Group by Words-Group Analysis:

• "Also do not take to heart all words which are spoken": This is a call for emotional and intellectual detachment from unnecessary external noise. It discourages hypersensitivity or the obsessive pursuit of others' opinions, promoting mental tranquility over the vain attempt to control perceptions or guarantee constant praise. This reflects a key theme in Ecclesiastes of finding wisdom in living with imperfection "under the sun."
• "lest you hear your servant cursing you": This clause provides the pragmatic justification for the advice. It offers a very practical, common scenario of its time: if you eavesdrop or pay too much attention, you will inevitably uncover private resentments or disloyal remarks, even from those under your employ. This serves as a warning against self-inflicted pain by acknowledging the inescapable reality of human frailty, secret grievances, and the futility of perfect control over others’ private thoughts or words. The servant, being someone close but potentially oppressed or discontent, makes for a poignant example of the commonality of discontent.

Ecclesiastes 7 21 Bonus Section

• Focus on Internal Peace: The core of this verse is about protecting one's internal peace and emotional stability. By choosing not to dwell on every potentially critical word, an individual avoids self-torment and fosters a more resilient spirit.
• Against Eavesdropping and Distrust: The advice serves as a warning against fostering an atmosphere of suspicion or actively seeking out what others might be saying behind your back. Such a practice breeds distrust and unhappiness, which is contrary to a life lived wisely and with contentment.
• Humility in Leadership: For those in positions of authority (like a "master" to a "servant"), this verse promotes a degree of humility. It acknowledges that even leaders are subject to private criticism or disfavor, and obsessing over it is unproductive. A wise leader recognizes this human element and focuses on governing righteously rather than policing thoughts.
• Relationship to Mercy and Grace: Though not explicit, this verse subtly aligns with the broader biblical themes of extending grace and mercy, as we ourselves often fall short in speech. If we understand our own imperfection, we are better equipped to overlook the imperfections of others.

Ecclesiastes 7 21 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 7:21 offers profoundly practical and psychologically astute wisdom. Following Qoheleth's declaration that perfect human righteousness is nonexistent (Eccl 7:20), this verse advises against the self-defeating habit of overly scrutinizing every utterance made by others. The vivid illustration of "your servant cursing you" is not to imply malicious intent in all cases, but to underscore the omnipresence of human imperfection: even those who rely on you, or whom you consider loyal, might express private grievances or negative sentiments. The Preacher counsels against deliberate eavesdropping or morbidly seeking out criticism. To "take to heart" such casual or private words leads only to bitterness, paranoia, and the destruction of one's peace of mind. This wisdom promotes cultivating a resilient spirit, an ability to overlook minor slights, and a realistic acceptance that absolute validation or perfect conduct from every person is unattainable. It’s a call to wisely guard one's heart and choose peace over preoccupation with trivial or negative external opinions, focusing on a measured response to the often-disappointing realities of human interactions.