We all know people who are very sensitive and easily hurt—people with, as they say, a “thin skin.” Chances are, we have said something to one of these people that we have regretted. We may have said it without thinking, or simply in trying to make conversation. Such a circumstance is regrettable.

However, when we find ourselves on the receiving end of such a remark, there’s a better course of action than getting bent out of shape. Ecclesiastes 7:21 advises us not to take to heart everything people say. We are prone to misunderstand, and others may be uttering things without thinking.

This verse has good advice for us. We have all had to say we are sorry for our words, which we should be quick to do—but we also need to heed the advice to grow some thicker skin for ourselves. It makes life much easier.