A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
There is a time to tear apart, and a time to mend; a time to stay quiet, and a time to speak up;
This verse teaches that life has seasons for both breaking down and building up, for listening and for speaking - and wisdom means knowing which season we're in.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is part of the famous 'time for everything' passage in Ecclesiastes, written by Solomon (or a later sage reflecting on his wisdom) during Israel's monarchy period. The imagery of tearing and sewing would have been very familiar to ancient readers, as clothing was precious and frequently mended rather than replaced. Similarly, knowing when to speak or remain silent was crucial wisdom in royal courts and daily community life.
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