קהלת, פרק ז׳, פסוק כ״ב

Facing criticism and insults is a universal human experience, and true wisdom lies in the ability to absorb such negativity without feeling personally attacked. The primary approach among commentators is that a person should not take words of disrespect to heart. The most effective way to calm the anger that arises when others speak poorly of us is to recognize our own identical flaws. Deep down, people are aware that not just once or twice [מצודת דוד], but on numerous occasions, they too have directed improper words at others. This reality remains true whether those harsh sentiments were spoken out loud or merely harbored in thought [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Wisdom simply teaches that there is no justification for harboring anger when others curse us, because we frequently act in the exact same manner toward them [מצודת דוד].

In contrast to this straightforward understanding, another approach views this dynamic as an internal spiritual struggle against the evil inclination. According to this line of thought, the repeated instances of cursing refer to moments when a person damages the higher spiritual realms by listening to this negative internal drive. The act of cursing others is understood as showing disrespect to people due to the incitement of the evil inclination. Therefore, a person must completely ignore the voice of this inclination, recognizing it as a destructive force that desires nothing more than their personal disgrace and downfall [תעלומות חכמה].