Ecclesiastes 7:21 Commentary and Bible Study

The recognition of the universality of sin is an echo of Solomon’s prayer in 1 Kings 8:46. It is not wise to be oversensitive and in particular not to criticism. Our oversensitivity in this area is a measure of what we really know to be true about ourselves for if we see our hearts for what they are, it will not surprise us that others do not see us as favourably as we would like. Other people’s negative opinions about us can be very hard to deal with. We can react by dismissing them and saying, that’s nonsense, but whether we are right or not, Solomon gives a different reason why we should not get upset in verse 22. We have therefore to assume that there is some truth in what the servant in this verse says. This is his neat way of pinpointing another problem attitude that can arise in the heart of the seeker that is fatal to his progress. Here is an indication of pride that ill prepares us to come to God. This oversensitivity arises because we have not really seen ourselves. Others are more objective about us than we are about ourselves. We are ready to spring to our own defence at the slightest provocation; we are ready to charge others with faults that we too have committed. A true insight into ourselves will rather say, ‘Others do not know the half of what is wrong with me and can I therefore worry about a few words said in criticism of me?’By applying one standard of righteousness to ourselves and another to everyone else, we show the presence of an inner bias which will prevent us from repenting sincerely. If you want help in getting over this offence, Solomon says, consider that you have done exactly the same thing to other people yourself, and so even if you regard it as unjust, dismiss it from your mind. Rather, resign all things into the hands of God who judges justly.