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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 3:7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/21_Ecc_03_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 3:7 - To Everything There is a Season" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/">Ecclesiastes</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 7</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-6.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 3:6">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 3:7 <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-8.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 3:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A time to tear apart, and a time to sew together; A time to be silent, and a time to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to keep silent and a time to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />a time to tear and a time to sew; a time to be silent and a time to speak;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />a time to tear and a time to sew; a time to be silent and a time to speak; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />for tearing and sewing, listening and speaking. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />a time to tear apart and a time to sew together, a time to keep quiet and a time to speak out,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />the time for tearing and the time for mending, the time for silence and the time for talk. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />a time to tear, and a time to mend; a time to be silent, and a time to speak;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A time to rip, and a time to sew; a time to keep silent, and a time to speak. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A time to tear, "" And a time to sew. A time to be silent, "" And a time to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A time to rend, And a time to sew. A time to be silent, And a time to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A time to rend, and a time to sew. A time to keep silence, and a time to speak. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />A time to rend, and a time to sew. A time to be silent, and a time to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A time to rend and a time to sew; a time to keep silent and a time to speak;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A time to rip and a time to sew, a time to be silent and a time to speak<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A time to rend, and a time to sew; A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=499" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">To Everything There is a Season</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">6</span>a time to search and a time to count as lost, a time to keep and a time to discard, <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6256.htm" title="6256: ‘êṯ (N-cs) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc.">a time</a> <a href="/hebrew/7167.htm" title="7167: liq·rō·w·a‘ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To tear. A primitive root; to rend, literally or figuratively.">to tear</a> <a href="/hebrew/6256.htm" title="6256: wə·‘êṯ (Conj-w:: N-cs) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc.">and a time</a> <a href="/hebrew/8609.htm" title="8609: liṯ·pō·wr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To sew together. A primitive root; to sew.">to mend,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6256.htm" title="6256: ‘êṯ (N-cs) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc.">a time</a> <a href="/hebrew/2814.htm" title="2814: la·ḥă·šō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To be silent, inactive, or still. A primitive root; to hush or keep quiet.">to be silent</a> <a href="/hebrew/6256.htm" title="6256: wə·‘êṯ (Conj-w:: N-cs) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc.">and a time</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: lə·ḏab·bêr (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">to speak,</a> </span><span class="reftext">8</span>a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a></span><br />My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a></span><br />When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-23.htm">Proverbs 15:23</a></span><br />A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">Proverbs 17:27-28</a></span><br />A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. / Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a></span><br />But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a></span><br />Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a></span><br />Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a></span><br />Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/50-4.htm">Isaiah 50:4</a></span><br />The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/2-13.htm">Job 2:13</a></span><br />Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights, but no one spoke a word to him because they saw how intense his suffering was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/5-13.htm">Amos 5:13</a></span><br />Therefore, the prudent keep silent in such times, for the days are evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">1 Peter 3:10</a></span><br />For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/39-1.htm">Psalm 39:1-2</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. For Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said, “I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present.” / I was speechless and still; I remained silent, even from speaking good, and my sorrow was stirred.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-11.htm">Proverbs 25:11</a></span><br />A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;</p><p class="hdg">time to rend</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/37-29.htm">Genesis 37:29,34</a></b></br> And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph <i>was</i> not in the pit; and he rent his clothes… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/1-11.htm">2 Samuel 1:11</a></b></br> Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that <i>were</i> with him:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/3-31.htm">2 Samuel 3:31</a></b></br> And David said to Joab, and to all the people that <i>were</i> with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David <i>himself</i> followed the bier.</p><p class="hdg">time to keep</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/2-13.htm">Job 2:13</a></b></br> So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that <i>his</i> grief was very great.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/39-2.htm">Psalm 39:2</a></b></br> I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, <i>even</i> from good; and my sorrow was stirred.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/36-21.htm">Isaiah 36:21</a></b></br> But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.</p><p class="hdg">and a time to speak</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/44-18.htm">Genesis 44:18,34</a></b></br> Then Judah came near unto him, and said, Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord's ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou <i>art</i> even as Pharaoh… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/19-4.htm">1 Samuel 19:4,5</a></b></br> And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works <i>have been</i> to theeward very good: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/25-24.htm">1 Samuel 25:24</a></b></br> And fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, <i>upon</i> me <i>let this</i> iniquity <i>be</i>: and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine audience, and hear the words of thine handmaid.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-25.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-18.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/psalms/60-2.htm">Mend</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-9.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/psalms/50-22.htm">Rend</a> <a href="/genesis/3-7.htm">Sew</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Silence</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Silent</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-9.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/mark/1-19.htm">Stitching</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-20.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-3.htm">Tear</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-6.htm">Time</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-5.htm">Together</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-7.htm">Undoing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-12.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-5.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/luke/5-37.htm">Mend</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-17.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-6.htm">Rend</a> <a href="/ezekiel/13-18.htm">Sew</a> <a href="/isaiah/15-1.htm">Silence</a> <a href="/isaiah/6-5.htm">Silent</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-21.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/matthew/4-21.htm">Stitching</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-1.htm">Tear</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-8.htm">Time</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-5.htm">Together</a> <a href="/daniel/11-26.htm">Undoing</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-1.htm">by the necessary change of times, vanity is added to human travail</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-11.htm">is an excellence in God's works</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-16.htm">as for man, God shall judge his works hereafter, though here he be like a beast</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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This act is seen in various biblical accounts, such as when Jacob tore his clothes upon believing Joseph was dead (<a href="/genesis/37-34.htm">Genesis 37:34</a>) and when King David mourned the death of Saul and Jonathan (<a href="/2_samuel/1-11.htm">2 Samuel 1:11-12</a>). Tearing can symbolize a breaking down or a necessary destruction before healing or restoration can occur. Conversely, mending represents the restoration and healing process, both physically and spiritually. This duality reflects the cyclical nature of life and God's sovereignty over all seasons. The act of mending can also be seen as a metaphor for reconciliation and forgiveness, aligning with New Testament teachings on restoration and unity within the body of Christ (<a href="/galatians/6.htm">Galatians 6:1</a>).<p><b>a time to be silent and a time to speak</b><br>Silence and speech are powerful tools in the biblical narrative. Silence can signify wisdom, reflection, and reverence, as seen in the story of Job, where his friends initially sat in silence with him (<a href="/job/2-13.htm">Job 2:13</a>). It can also represent a time of waiting on God, as in <a href="/psalms/46-10.htm">Psalm 46:10</a>, "Be still, and know that I am God." Conversely, there are moments when speaking is necessary to proclaim truth, justice, or encouragement. The prophets often spoke out against injustice and called people to repentance, as seen in the ministries of Isaiah and Jeremiah. In the New Testament, Jesus exemplifies the perfect balance of silence and speech, knowing when to speak words of life and when to remain silent, such as during His trial before Pilate (<a href="/matthew/27-14.htm">Matthew 27:14</a>). This phrase encourages discernment in knowing when to listen and when to speak, aligning with <a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a>, which advises believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry."<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He reflects on the various seasons of life in this book.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation of Israel, to whom much of the wisdom literature was originally addressed, providing context for understanding the cultural and historical background of the text.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_preacher.htm">The Preacher (Qoheleth)</a></b><br>The voice in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who explores the meaning of life and the appropriate times for various actions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_communication.htm">Discernment in Communication</a></b><br>Understanding when to speak and when to remain silent is crucial for effective communication and maintaining relationships. This discernment is a sign of wisdom and maturity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_silence.htm">The Role of Silence</a></b><br>Silence can be powerful and necessary for reflection, prayer, and listening to God. It allows us to hear His voice and understand His will for our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/restoration_and_healing.htm">Restoration and Healing</a></b><br>The act of mending signifies the importance of reconciliation and healing in our relationships. As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers and restorers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seasons_of_life.htm">Seasons of Life</a></b><br>Recognizing that life has different seasons helps us to navigate changes with grace and wisdom. Each season has its purpose under God's sovereign plan.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_action.htm">Wisdom in Action</a></b><br>Applying wisdom in knowing the right time for action or restraint is a reflection of our trust in God's timing and His overarching plan for our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/when_is_it_time_to_be_silent_or_speak.htm">When is it time to be silent or speak?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_show_love_and_kindness.htm">When is it time to be silent or speak?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_'seeing_through_a_glass_darkly'.htm">What defines a vow of silence?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'sufficient_grace'_mean.htm">What does 'a time to plant and uproot' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A time to rend, and a time to sew</span> (<span class="greek">καιρὸς τοῦ ῤῆξαι καὶ καιρὸς τοῦ ῤάψαι</span>). This is usually understood of the rending of garments in token of grief (<a href="/genesis/37-29.htm">Genesis 37:29, 34</a>, etc.), and the repairing of the rent then made when the season of mourning was ended. The Talmudists laid down careful rules concerning the extent of the ritual tear, and how long it was to remain unmended, both being regulated by the nearness of the relationship of the deceased person. In this interpretation there are these two difficulties: first, it makes the clause a virtual repetition of ver. 4; and secondly, it is not known for certain that the closing of the rent was a ceremonial custom in the times of Koheleth. Hence Plumptre inclines to take the expression metaphorically of the division of a kingdom by schism, and the restoration of unity, comparing the Prophet Ahijah's communication to Jeroboam (<a href="/1_kings/11-30.htm">1 Kings 11:30, 31</a>). But surely this would be a most unlikely allusion to put into Solomon's mouth; nor can we properly look for such a symbolical representation amid the other realistic examples given in the series. What Koheleth says is this - There are times when it is natural to tear clothes to pieces, whether from grief, or anger, or any other cause, <span class="accented">e.g.</span>, <span class="accented">as</span> being old and worthless, or infected; and there are times when it is equally natural to mend them, and to make them serviceable by timely repairs. Connected with the notion of mourning contributed by this clause, though by no means confined to that notion, it is added, <span class="cmt_word">A time to keep silence, and a time to speak</span>. The silence of deep sorrow may be intimated, as when Job's friends sat by him in sympathizing silence (<a href="/job/2-13.htm">Job 2:13</a>), and the psalmist cried, "I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred" (<a href="/psalms/39-2.htm">Psalm 39:2</a>); and Elisha could not bear to hear his master's departure mentioned (<a href="/2_kings/2-3.htm">2 Kings 2:3, 5</a>). There are also occasions when the sorrow of the heart should find utterance, as in David's lament over Saul and Jonathan (<a href="/2_samuel/1-17.htm">2 Samuel 1:17</a>, etc.) and over Abner (<a href="/2_samuel/3-33.htm">2 Samuel 3:33</a>, etc.). But the gnome is of more general application. The young should hold their peace in the presence of their elders (<a href="/job/32-4.htm">Job 32:4</a>, etc.); silence is often golden: "Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: when he shutteth his lips, he is esteemed as prudent" (<a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Proverbs 17:28</a>). On the other hand, wise counsel is of infinite value, and must not be withheld at the right moment, and "a word in due season, how good is it!" (<a href="/proverbs/15-23.htm">Proverbs 15:23</a>; <a href="/proverbs/25-11.htm">Proverbs 25:11</a>). "If thou hast understanding, answer thy neighbor; if not, lay thy hand upon thy mouth" (Ecclus. 5:12; see more, Ecclus. 20:5, etc.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">a time</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵ֤ת</span> <span class="translit">(‘êṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6256.htm">Strong's 6256: </a> </span><span class="str2">Time, now, when</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to tear</span><br /><span class="heb">לִקְר֙וֹעַ֙</span> <span class="translit">(liq·rō·w·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7167.htm">Strong's 7167: </a> </span><span class="str2">To rend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and a time</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעֵ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘êṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6256.htm">Strong's 6256: </a> </span><span class="str2">Time, now, when</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to mend,</span><br /><span class="heb">לִתְפּ֔וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(liṯ·pō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8609.htm">Strong's 8609: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sew together</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a time</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(‘êṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6256.htm">Strong's 6256: </a> </span><span class="str2">Time, now, when</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to be silent</span><br /><span class="heb">לַחֲשׁ֖וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(la·ḥă·šō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2814.htm">Strong's 2814: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be silent, inactive, or still</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and a time</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעֵ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘êṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6256.htm">Strong's 6256: </a> </span><span class="str2">Time, now, when</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to speak,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְדַבֵּֽר׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḏab·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 3:7 A time to tear and a time (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 3:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 3:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 3:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 3:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>