Ecclesiastes 10:20 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Do not curse those in power even in private thought or whispered words, for what is spoken secretly has a way of becoming known.
What Does Ecclesiastes 10:20 Mean?
The chapter closes with counsel for living wisely under authority. Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, the Preacher warns, nor the rich in the privacy of your bedchamber. The proverb of a bird carrying the voice pictures how secrets escape and reach unintended ears.
The wisdom here is discretion of both speech and heart. Words muttered in the dark have a way of taking wing, and reckless contempt can return to wound the one who spoke it. More deeply, it reminds us that nothing is truly hidden, and that the God who hears in secret invites us to guard not only our tongues but our very thoughts before him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ecclesiastes 10:20
What does Ecclesiastes 10:20 mean?
Do not curse those in power even in private thought or whispered words, for what is spoken secretly has a way of becoming known.