Ecclesiastes 10:20

Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich even in your bedroom, for a bird of the air may carry your words, and a winged creature may report your speech.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The Preacher addresses his audience immediately after noting that money governs human affairs, issuing a warning against private contempt toward authority and wealth.

The words — מֶ֚לֶךְ (Me.lekh) means "a king," and תְּקַלֵּ֔ל (te.ka.Lel) means "you curse."

The thread — The warning that concealed speech will be exposed runs through Luke 12:2, while the prohibition against speaking evil of leaders aligns with Acts 23:5 and the royal court context of 2 Kings 6:12.

Why it lands — The text commands readers not to curse the king or the rich even in their thoughts or bedroom, stating that a bird of the air may carry those words and a winged creature may report them.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Hebrew words

King James Version

Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.

Cross-references

Acts 23:5 “Brothers,” Paul replied, “I was not aware that he was the high priest, for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’”
Luke 12:2 There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known.
2 Kings 6:12 But one of his servants replied, “No one, my lord the king. For Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”
Exodus 22:28 You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.
Ecclesiastes 7:21 Do not pay attention to every word that is spoken, or you may hear your servant cursing you.
Isaiah 8:21 They will roam the land, dejected and hungry. When they are famished, they will become enraged; and looking upward, they will curse their king and their God.
Luke 19:40 “I tell you,” He answered, “if they remain silent, the very stones will cry out.”
Luke 10:40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!”