Ecclesiastes 7:21

Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken: lest thou hear thy servant curse thee.

Listeners hear no good of themselves

I. We should pay some attention to what others think and say about us. What a force public opinion is! We cannot see it, nor touch it; and yet it is a great factor in shaping the character and actions alike of men and nations. Public opinion may be utterly wrong; and then we must oppose it at any cost, even though we stand alone. And some of us might do well to pay a little more attention than we do to the tone of thought and feeling around us. If a man see that his acts and life are giving pain to others, that he is a stumblingblock to his neighbours, even though it only be to those whom he would consider weaker brethren; and if he go on his way recklessly, regardless of what men say or think, verily he will not be able to free himself from guilt. By such thoughtlessness we are apt to harden, to irritate, to mislead our fellows.

II. We should not be too curious to know what other people think of us. Some men are selfish or obstinate. They do what is pleasant; they follow the path which in their own eyes seems right. Am I my brother’s keeper? they exclaim, in answer to every remonstrance. We are all one family, closely united, and at every point we are hurting or helping one another. There are thousands, however, who err on the opposite side. They allow the opinion of the world, the fashion of the day, to shape their life and character. There are many whose life is darkened for a whole day because some one has said a severe word about them and the report of it has reached their ears. It is foolish to make so much of the world’s opinion. For think how much idle gossip is floating about everywhere. Sharp words are often spoken in a passion, or under a misconception, and the speaker regrets them bitterly afterwards. He is a wise man who is not anxious to hear too much.

III. We should always be anxious to know God’s opinion of us, and to have his approval. Some one may say, I do not mind what men say of me; but, oh, that I knew God’s opinion of me I It is easy to know it. “The Father Himself loveth you, because ye have loved Me.” Do you love Christ? Then you are loved by God.” He that believeth not the Son. .. the wrath of God abideth on him.” Have you never trusted Christ as your Saviour? Then God’s wrath has its resting-place upon you. (W. Park, M. A.)