Do not pay attention to every word that is spokenThis phrase advises discernment in listening, emphasizing the importance of not taking every comment to heart. In biblical context, this reflects the wisdom literature's focus on understanding human nature and the folly of overreacting to words.
Proverbs 19:11 echoes this sentiment, highlighting the virtue of patience and overlooking offenses. Historically, in ancient Near Eastern cultures, words held significant power, but the wise were encouraged to weigh them carefully. This advice aligns with the broader biblical theme of guarding one's heart and mind, as seen in
Philippians 4:7.
or you may hear your servant cursing you
This part of the verse acknowledges the reality of human imperfection and the potential for those under authority to express frustration or resentment. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, servants were common in households, and their words could reflect underlying tensions. The Bible often addresses the relationship between masters and servants, urging fairness and understanding, as inEphesians 6:9. This phrase also serves as a reminder of humility, recognizing that even those in positions of power are not immune to criticism. It subtly points to the need for grace and forgiveness, themes central to the teachings of Jesus Christ, who exemplified servant leadership and compassion.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. His reflections in Ecclesiastes offer insights into human nature and the pursuit of meaning.
2.
ServantRepresents those who are under the authority of another, highlighting the dynamics of relationships and communication within a hierarchical structure.
3.
IsraelThe setting for Solomon's writings, providing a cultural and historical backdrop that influences the text's themes and teachings.
Teaching Points
Guarding the HeartWe are encouraged to protect our hearts from unnecessary hurt by not dwelling on every negative word spoken about us.
Understanding Human NatureRecognize that everyone, including ourselves, can speak carelessly at times. This understanding fosters patience and forgiveness.
Wisdom in RelationshipsIn relationships, especially those involving authority, it is wise to overlook minor offenses to maintain peace and harmony.
Self-ReflectionConsider how often we might speak carelessly about others and strive to improve our own speech.
Focus on the PositiveBy not fixating on negative words, we can focus on constructive and uplifting communication.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 7:21?
2.How can Ecclesiastes 7:21 guide us in handling criticism from others?
3.What does Ecclesiastes 7:21 teach about the impact of overhearing negative words?
4.How does James 3:5-6 relate to the message in Ecclesiastes 7:21?
5.In what ways can we apply Ecclesiastes 7:21 to our daily conversations?
6.How does Ecclesiastes 7:21 encourage us to practice grace and forgiveness?
7.What does Ecclesiastes 7:21 teach about handling criticism and gossip?
8.How does Ecclesiastes 7:21 relate to the theme of wisdom in the Bible?
9.Why does Ecclesiastes 7:21 advise against taking all words to heart?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 7?
11.What are the main themes of the Bible's books?
12.What does it mean Jesus became sin for us?
13.Is there work in Heaven?
14.In Job 4:7, how could Eliphaz assert that no innocent person has ever perished when history shows countless examples of righteous people suffering?What Does Ecclesiastes 7:21 Mean
Do not pay attentionSolomon 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 wordThe phrase “every word” highlights how easy it is to obsess over stray remarks.
•Proverbs 17:9 notes that love “covers an offense,” whileProverbs 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 spokenWords 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 hearListening 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 youEven 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 inLuke 6:28, “Bless those who curse you,” and1 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).
summaryEcclesiastes 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.
Verse 21. -
Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; literally,
give not thy heart, as
Ecclesiastes 1:13, etc. Here is another matter in which wisdom will lead to right conduct. You will not pay serious attention to evil reports either about yourself or others, nor regulate your views and actions according to such distortions of the truth. To be always hankering to know what people say of us is to set up a false standard, which will assuredly lead us astray; and, at the same time, we shall expose ourselves to the keen-eat mortification when we find, as we probably shall find, that they do not take us at our own valuation, but have thoroughly marked our weaknesses, and are ready enough to censure them. We have an instance of patience under unmerited reproof in the case of David when cursed by Shimei (
2 Samuel 16:11), as he, or one like minded, says (
Psalm 38:13), "I, as a deaf man, hear not; and I am as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. Yea, I am as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs." Corn. a Lapide comments in words to which no translation would do justice, "Verbaenim non aunt verbera; aerem feriunt non hominem, nisi qui its attendit mordetur, sauciatur."
Lest thou hear thy servant curse thee. The servant is introduced as an example of a gossip or calumniator, because he, if any one, would be acquainted with his master's faults, and be most likely to disseminate his knowledge, and blame from such a quarter would be most intolerable. Commentators appositely quote Bacon's remarks on this passage in his 'Advancement of Learning,' 8:2, where he notes the prudence of Pompey, who burned all the papers of Sertorius reread, containing, as they did, information which would fatally have compromised many leading men in Rome.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Do notאַל־(’al-)Adverb
Strong's 408:Notpayתִּתֵּ֖ן(tit·tên)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setattentionלִבֶּ֑ךָ(lib·be·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3820:The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centreto everyלְכָל־(lə·ḵāl)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everywordהַדְּבָרִים֙(had·də·ḇā·rîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causethat is spoken,יְדַבֵּ֔רוּ(yə·ḏab·bê·rū)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subdueorאֲשֶׁ֣ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatyou may hearתִשְׁמַ֥ע(ṯiš·ma‘)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlyyour servantעַבְדְּךָ֖(‘aḇ·də·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650:Slave, servantcursing you.מְקַלְלֶֽךָ׃(mə·qal·le·ḵā)Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7043:To be slight, swift or trifling
Links
Ecclesiastes 7:21 NIVEcclesiastes 7:21 NLTEcclesiastes 7:21 ESVEcclesiastes 7:21 NASBEcclesiastes 7:21 KJV
Ecclesiastes 7:21 BibleApps.comEcclesiastes 7:21 Biblia ParalelaEcclesiastes 7:21 Chinese BibleEcclesiastes 7:21 French BibleEcclesiastes 7:21 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 7:21 Also don't take heed to all words (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) 
