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Ecclesiastes 7:20-22 - Forgive hurtful words
Scripture:
Ecclesiastes 7:20-22
20 Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does
good and who never sins.
21 Also, do not take seriously all words which are spoken, so that you
will not hear your servant cursing you.
22 For you also have realized that you likewise have many times cursed
others.
NASU
Thoughts:
A call to forgiveness. We tend to set a higher standard on the
behavior of others than we do ourselves. A professor of mine once
pointed out that when we do things, we tend to look at our actions as
though we had no other choice. However, when others choose their
actions, we read motive into what they do!
In this vein, the wise man is pointing out the tendency of people to
mess up with their mouths. Clearly, the best route is to not make such
statements, but the Bible tells us this is a difficult feat, indeed:
James 3:7-8
7 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of
the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. 8 But no one
can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.
NASU
When we say something out of line, we often reason that others will
understand our mistake and dismiss it. But if we are spoken of (or to)
poorly, we can become quite angry! Solomon is exhorting us to dismiss
their comments, just like we would want others to do for us. In other
words, to forgive.
Prayer:
Oh Lord, give me a heart of love for others and a humble view of
myself. Help me to not think myself so high or my reputation so great,
that the idle words of another are like an insult to Your holy name.
Let me be a gracious person to all those around me, and so reflect the
nature of my Master.
Amen
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