Today’s reading: Ecclesiastes 7:1-10:20
My selection: Ecclesiastes 7:21-22
21 Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. 22 Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others.
My reflections: Solomon says one should not be too concerned about the random comments of people. If you listen long enough you will hear the most bizarre things. Someone, who should honor you, will instead curse you. But wait, says the wise king, you have done this, too.
The point, Solomon is making, is you should ignore a lot of what is being said about you, because you need others to ignore some of the things you have said about them.
In the gospel of Jesus Christ we learn that God does not merely overlook sins, but He forgives sinners who repent. The Lord amplified this concept of forgiveness in His parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35). One who is forgiven ought to show forgiveness. Forgiveness should promote more forgiveness. To overlook offenses is good but to forgive them is godly.
My challenge: Beware of taking to heart all you hear. Remember: a fool will allow anger to become “lodged” in his heart (Eccl. 7:9). Overlook. Forgive as you have been forgiven.
Tomorrow’s reading: Ecclesiastes 11:1-Song of Solomon 8:14
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