a time to tear and a time to mendIn ancient Israel, tearing garments was a common expression of grief, mourning, or repentance. This act is seen in various biblical accounts, such as when Jacob tore his clothes upon believing Joseph was dead (
Genesis 37:34) and when King David mourned the death of Saul and Jonathan (
2 Samuel 1:11-12). Tearing can symbolize a breaking down or a necessary destruction before healing or restoration can occur. Conversely, mending represents the restoration and healing process, both physically and spiritually. This duality reflects the cyclical nature of life and God's sovereignty over all seasons. The act of mending can also be seen as a metaphor for reconciliation and forgiveness, aligning with New Testament teachings on restoration and unity within the body of Christ (
Galatians 6:1).
a time to be silent and a time to speak
Silence and speech are powerful tools in the biblical narrative. Silence can signify wisdom, reflection, and reverence, as seen in the story of Job, where his friends initially sat in silence with him (Job 2:13). It can also represent a time of waiting on God, as inPsalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God." Conversely, there are moments when speaking is necessary to proclaim truth, justice, or encouragement. The prophets often spoke out against injustice and called people to repentance, as seen in the ministries of Isaiah and Jeremiah. In the New Testament, Jesus exemplifies the perfect balance of silence and speech, knowing when to speak words of life and when to remain silent, such as during His trial before Pilate (Matthew 27:14). This phrase encourages discernment in knowing when to listen and when to speak, aligning withJames 1:19, which advises believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry."
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He reflects on the various seasons of life in this book.
2.
IsraelThe nation of Israel, to whom much of the wisdom literature was originally addressed, providing context for understanding the cultural and historical background of the text.
3.
The Preacher (Qoheleth)The voice in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who explores the meaning of life and the appropriate times for various actions.
Teaching Points
Discernment in CommunicationUnderstanding when to speak and when to remain silent is crucial for effective communication and maintaining relationships. This discernment is a sign of wisdom and maturity.
The Role of SilenceSilence can be powerful and necessary for reflection, prayer, and listening to God. It allows us to hear His voice and understand His will for our lives.
Restoration and HealingThe act of mending signifies the importance of reconciliation and healing in our relationships. As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers and restorers.
Seasons of LifeRecognizing that life has different seasons helps us to navigate changes with grace and wisdom. Each season has its purpose under God's sovereign plan.
Wisdom in ActionApplying wisdom in knowing the right time for action or restraint is a reflection of our trust in God's timing and His overarching plan for our lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 3:7?
2.How can we discern the right time to "tear" or "sew" in life?
3.What does "a time to be silent" teach about listening to God?
4.How does Ecclesiastes 3:7 relate to James 1:19 on speech?
5.In what ways can we practice "a time to speak" wisely today?
6.How can Ecclesiastes 3:7 guide our interactions in difficult conversations?
7.What does "a time to be silent and a time to speak" mean in Ecclesiastes 3:7?
8.How does Ecclesiastes 3:7 relate to the concept of divine timing?
9.Why is discernment important in understanding Ecclesiastes 3:7?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 3?
11.When is it time to be silent or speak?
12.When is it time to be silent or speak?
13.What defines a vow of silence?
14.What does 'a time to plant and uproot' mean?What Does Ecclesiastes 3:7 Mean
A time to tear• In Scripture, tearing garments shows deep sorrow or holy indignation. When Reuben discovered Joseph missing, “he tore his clothes” (Genesis 37:29). Tamar did the same after her violation (2 Samuel 13:19).
• God even instructs His people, “Rend your hearts and not your garments” (Joel 2:13), pointing to genuine repentance behind the outward act.
• There are moments when separation must happen—cutting ties with sin, breaking unhealthy patterns, or allowing grief its full expression. Recognizing that God appoints such seasons keeps us from resisting necessary loss.
A time to mend• After tearing comes repair. Isaiah prophesied the Messiah would “bind up the brokenhearted” (Isaiah 61:1), andPsalm 147:3 assures, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
• Mending includes restoring relationships: “Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
• God never leaves His people in perpetual tearing; His redemptive plan always moves toward healing, reconciliation, and wholeness.
A time to be silent• Silence can be an act of wisdom and worship. “When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19).
• Before the Lord, silence shows reverence: “Do not be quick to speak… for God is in heaven and you are on earth” (Ecclesiastes 5:2).
• Relationally, choosing silence can prevent anger and allow listening: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (James 1:19).
A time to speak• God also calls His people to use words courageously: “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2).
• The apostles modeled this: “For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).
• Speaking up defends the vulnerable: “Open your mouth for those with no voice” (Proverbs 31:8) and guides the church: “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).
• Discernment lies in knowing when silence honors God and when words become His chosen instrument.
summaryEcclesiastes 3:7 reminds us that God orders life in purposeful seasons. Some moments call for decisive tearing away or quiet reflection; others invite healing stitches or bold proclamation. Trusting His timing enables us to respond rightly—mourning when it is fitting, restoring when He opens the door, holding our tongues in reverence, and speaking with love-filled conviction when the moment demands it.
Verse 7. -
A time to rend, and a time to sew (
καιρὸς τοῦ ῤῆξαι καὶ καιρὸς τοῦ ῤάψαι). This is usually understood of the rending of garments in token of grief (
Genesis 37:29, 34, etc.), and the repairing of the rent then made when the season of mourning was ended. The Talmudists laid down careful rules concerning the extent of the ritual tear, and how long it was to remain unmended, both being regulated by the nearness of the relationship of the deceased person. In this interpretation there are these two difficulties: first, it makes the clause a virtual repetition of ver. 4; and secondly, it is not known for certain that the closing of the rent was a ceremonial custom in the times of Koheleth. Hence Plumptre inclines to take the expression metaphorically of the division of a kingdom by schism, and the restoration of unity, comparing the Prophet Ahijah's communication to Jeroboam (
1 Kings 11:30, 31). But surely this would be a most unlikely allusion to put into Solomon's mouth; nor can we properly look for such a symbolical representation amid the other realistic examples given in the series. What Koheleth says is this - There are times when it is natural to tear clothes to pieces, whether from grief, or anger, or any other cause,
e.g.,
as being old and worthless, or infected; and there are times when it is equally natural to mend them, and to make them serviceable by timely repairs. Connected with the notion of mourning contributed by this clause, though by no means confined to that notion, it is added,
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak. The silence of deep sorrow may be intimated, as when Job's friends sat by him in sympathizing silence (
Job 2:13), and the psalmist cried, "I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred" (
Psalm 39:2); and Elisha could not bear to hear his master's departure mentioned (
2 Kings 2:3, 5). There are also occasions when the sorrow of the heart should find utterance, as in David's lament over Saul and Jonathan (
2 Samuel 1:17, etc.) and over Abner (
2 Samuel 3:33, etc.). But the gnome is of more general application. The young should hold their peace in the presence of their elders (
Job 32:4, etc.); silence is often golden: "Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: when he shutteth his lips, he is esteemed as prudent" (
Proverbs 17:28). On the other hand, wise counsel is of infinite value, and must not be withheld at the right moment, and "a word in due season, how good is it!" (
Proverbs 15:23;
Proverbs 25:11). "If thou hast understanding, answer thy neighbor; if not, lay thy hand upon thy mouth" (Ecclus. 5:12; see more, Ecclus. 20:5, etc.).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
a timeעֵ֤ת(‘êṯ)Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256:Time, now, whento tearלִקְר֙וֹעַ֙(liq·rō·w·a‘)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7167:To rendand a timeוְעֵ֣ת(wə·‘êṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256:Time, now, whento mend,לִתְפּ֔וֹר(liṯ·pō·wr)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8609:To sew togethera timeעֵ֥ת(‘êṯ)Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256:Time, now, whento be silentלַחֲשׁ֖וֹת(la·ḥă·šō·wṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 2814:To be silent, inactive, or stilland a timeוְעֵ֥ת(wə·‘êṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256:Time, now, whento speak,לְדַבֵּֽר׃(lə·ḏab·bêr)Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subdue
Links
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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 3:7 A time to tear and a time (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) 
