Jump Start # 3615

Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 “Also, do not take seriously all words which are spoken, so that you will not hear your servant cursing you. For you also have realized that you likewise have many times cursed others.”

Our verse today is a great reminder. It is very helpful on two fronts. First, don’t take seriously what others say about you. If you do, it may crush what you feel about yourself and more so, what the Lord thinks about you. People have a way of saying mean things. It seems that no one uses a filter on their mouths these days. Even among brethren, the most cruel and hateful things can be said. It shouldn’t be, but it is. And, for those that serve and lead God’s people, this is all it takes for some to quit. One must have some thick skin to  lead. This is true of our country, corporations, public service, God’s kingdom and even in the family. Those that disagree will voice that. If there is a problem or something isn’t right, you’ll hear about it. Many times it’s delivered in the manner of a compliant topped with a threat. “Fix this, or I’ll leave,” is the ultimatum. No solutions are offered. No help is volunteered.

The second aspect our verse reminds us is that we too have cursed others. Don’t limit the idea of cursing to actually saying “curse words.” Trash talking. Complaining. Negative speech. Name calling. Finger pointing. They all fit in that description. YouTube is filled with videos of rude behavior in the public.

Do not take seriously all the words which are spoken to you. Here are some thoughts to consider:

First, some things said about us are not true. They are intended to hurt. They are said because people have run out of facts and the only defense they have left is to throw darts. They want to ruin your reputation. They come from a perspective that is tilted in the wrong direction. They lack a heart. Don’t take what they say seriously. You know the truth. You know what is right. You also know that if you were to tell them, they wouldn’t listen. Their minds are set and there is no changing them, even when faced with the facts. More than that, the Lord knows the truth.

Second, remember there were many cruel things said about the Lord. The skeptics claimed he had a demon. Others said he was a Samaritan. His own family thought he was out of his mind. Words hurt. But they only hurt if we allow them. Words have a way of staying with us for a long, long time. We forget about the minor bumps and scrapes we had growing up. But, we remember what some people said to us. Solomon tells us to not take serious all the words spoken about us. Jesus knew who He was. He didn’t allow those words to change who He was.

Third, it helps to remember how the words of others have hurt us, so we don’t treat others the same way. Our verse today could easily fit in with the golden rule of Matthew seven. Typically, what happens is that someone says something unkind and mean to someone. That person, in reply, says something unkind back. And, like a game of ping pong, back and forth the words fly. Each time, a deeper dig. Each time, more hurtful. And, in time, the damage is so severe that it is impossible to repair. Friendships end. Families become alienated. Fellowship breaks.

Kindness, gentleness and tenderness ought to govern how we speak to others. You do not have to express you opinion in every discussion. You do not have to attend every argument that you are invited to. Our judicial system was built upon the premise that a person is innocent until proven guilty. Somehow that has been flipped around so much that a person is guilty until proven innocent. Things can be said, accusations uttered, without any basis, proof, or, evidence, other than I don’t like what you are doing. It is expected that you have to stop what you are doing because I do not like it. That is the spirit of our times. But, my thought is, “Who made you the Lord?” You don’t have to change just because someone says so. You don’t have to cater to a loud and negative voice.

Remember, don’t take serious what someone says. But also, keep this in the context it was delivered in. Children need to take seriously the instructions of their parents. When someone shows us truths from God’s word, we need to take that seriously. But don’t get worked up over the “cursing” that someone lays on your plate.

Don’t take seriously…sure good reminders for the times we are in.

Roger