Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:
Don't pay attention to every word that people say, or you might hear your own servant speaking badly about you.
The writer is advising us not to listen to every piece of gossip or criticism, because we might hear hurtful things that would only upset us unnecessarily.
📚 Historical Context
Ecclesiastes was written in ancient Israel, likely by King Solomon, as a wise reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the pursuit of true wisdom amidst human struggles. In that cultural context, households often included servants, and overhearing their words could lead to unnecessary bitterness or retaliation, highlighting the importance of discernment in everyday interactions. This verse fits into a broader theme of advising restraint in response to speech to preserve peace.
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