Ecclesiastes Series
Also do not take to heart everything people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. For many times, also, your own heart has known that even you have cursed others. Ecclesiastes 7:21-22
Has this ever happened to you? A person acts like a friend to your face, but bad-mouths you behind your back. Imagine if God did this: in the Bible He says, “I love you. Your sins are forgiven,” but then, to the angels He says, “Did you see what he did? I’m going to send him to hell for that.”
God is not two-faced. Duplicity is a human characteristic. Driven by sin, man does and says whatever he thinks will serve his purpose. However, what God says to your face He also says behind your back. When He tells you that you are forgiven, in heaven He says the same, and the angels rejoice.
We hunger for recognition. We want to hear others praising us. However, Solomon tells us, "Do not take to heart everything people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you." If you depend on the praises of men, you may end up compromising your principles and beliefs. Even though they may praise you to your face, they will probably curse you behind your back.
Instead of seeking the approval of men, we should be concerned about the approval of God. If God says, “Well done,” then it doesn't matter what men say. In the Bible, God gives His approval or disapproval, for there He reveals right and wrong … truth and error.
In Scripture, God gives His approval of your words and actions. As for His approval of you as a person, this has nothing to do with your words and actions. It is because of Christ that God approves of you. In Christ you are cleansed and righteous in the eyes of God. Cling to this approval. After all, "if God is for us, who can be against us?"
We come, O Lord, with heavy hearts,
For we have practiced all sin’s arts.
Oh, hear us now and set us free
In Christ, that we may worship Thee. Amen.