What does Ecclesiastes 7:21 mean?
"Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:" - Ecclesiastes 7:21

Ecclesiastes 7:21 from the King James Version of the Bible states, "Also, take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee." This verse is found in the Old Testament and is attributed to King Solomon, who is traditionally believed to be the author of the book of Ecclesiastes.
This particular verse speaks to the human tendency to be affected by the words and opinions of others. In a broader sense, it addresses the issue of how we as individuals should respond to the criticism and negativity that we may encounter in our daily lives.
When examining the context of this verse, it is important to note that Ecclesiastes is a book that reflects on the meaning of life and the nature of human existence. In this particular verse, Solomon is cautioning against being overly sensitive to the words of others. He advises against giving too much weight to the criticism or negative comments that may come from those who are subordinate or serving under us. The idea is that one should not be overly concerned with the negative opinions of others, especially those who are beneath us in terms of position or status.
At its core, this verse highlights the importance of confidence, self-assuredness, and the ability to not be swayed by the negative words of others. It speaks to the need for individuals to develop a sense of inner strength and resilience in the face of criticism and negativity. By being able to ignore or overlook the negative words of others, one can maintain a sense of dignity and self-worth.
The themes present in this verse include the importance of personal strength, the ability to withstand criticism, and the significance of maintaining a sense of self-worth. Additionally, the verse touches on the dynamics of power and relationships within a hierarchical structure, as it references the potential for a servant to curse their master.
Symbolism in this verse is found in the act of "cursing." The act of cursing can be seen as a metaphor for any kind of negative or harmful speech. By using this symbolism, the verse emphasizes the need to disregard and not be affected by negativity or malice that may be directed towards us. It also symbolizes the struggle that individuals face in dealing with the negative opinions of others and the importance of maintaining inner strength.
The broader context of the book of Ecclesiastes also adds depth to this verse. Throughout the book, Solomon reflects on the fleeting nature of life, the pursuit of wisdom, the meaning of work, and the inevitability of death. This verse can be seen as part of an overarching message about the challenges and difficulties of human existence and the wisdom that can be gained from these experiences.
In conclusion, Ecclesiastes 7:21 from the King James Version of the Bible offers a profound reflection on the nature of human relationships, the struggles individuals face in dealing with negativity, and the importance of maintaining inner strength and self-worth. It reminds readers of the necessity of confidence and resilience in the face of criticism and negativity, ultimately offering insight into the complexities of the human experience.
Have questions about Ecclesiastes 7:21?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Ecclesiastes 7:21 Artwork
Ecclesiastes 7:21 - "Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:"
"Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:" - Ecclesiastes 7:21
Ecclesiastes 7:7 - "¶ Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart."
Ecclesiastes 3:7-8
Ecclesiastes 3:21 - "Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?"
Ecclesiastes 7:11 - "¶ Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun."
Ecclesiastes 4:7 - "Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun."
Ecclesiastes 7:9 - "Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools."
Ecclesiastes 6:7 - "All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled."
Ecclesiastes 7:20 - "For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not."
Ecclesiastes 7:3 - "Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better."
Ecclesiastes 11:7 - "¶ Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:"
Ecclesiastes 7:4 - "The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth."
Ecclesiastes 8:7 - "For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?"
Ecclesiastes 5:7 - "For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God."
Ecclesiastes 7:19 - "Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city."
Ecclesiastes 3:7 - "A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;"
Ecclesiastes 7:24 - "That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?"
Ecclesiastes 7:6 - "For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity."
Ecclesiastes 7:5 - "It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools."
Ecclesiastes 12:7 - "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it."
Ecclesiastes 7:13 - "Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?"
Ecclesiastes 7:23 - "¶ All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me."
Ecclesiastes 7:1 - "A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth."
Ecclesiastes 7:8 - "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit."
Ecclesiastes 10:7 - "I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth."
Ecclesiastes 7:12 - "For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it."
"¶ Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart." - Ecclesiastes 7:7
Ecclesiastes 7:17 - "Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?"
Ecclesiastes 7:22 - "For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others."