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And don’t make fun of the powerful, even in your own bedroom. For a little bird might deliver your message and tell them what you said. <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">English Standard Version</a> Even in your thoughts, do not curse the king, nor in your bedroom curse the rich, for a bird of the air will carry your voice, or some winged creature tell the matter. <a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New King James Version</a> Do not curse the king, even in your thought; Do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom; For a bird of the air may carry your voice, And a bird in flight may tell the matter. <a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Furthermore, in your bedroom do not curse a king, and in your sleeping rooms do not curse a rich person; for a bird of the sky will bring the sound, and the winged one will make your word known. <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NASB 1995</a> Furthermore, in your bedchamber do not curse a king, and in your sleeping rooms do not curse a rich man, for a bird of the heavens will carry the sound and the winged creature will make the matter known. <a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Furthermore, in your bedchamber do not curse a king, and in your sleeping rooms do not curse a rich man, for a bird of the heavens will carry the sound, and the winged creature will make the matter known. <a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Furthermore, in your bedchamber do not curse a king, and in your sleeping rooms do not curse a rich man, for a bird of the sky will bring the sound and the winged creature will tell the matter. <a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Moreover, do not curse the king, even in your bedroom, and in your sleeping rooms do not curse the rich, for a bird of the air will carry the sound and a winged creature will make the matter known. <a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, and do not curse a rich person even in your bedroom, for a bird of the sky may carry the message, and a winged creature may report the matter. <a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, and do not curse a rich person even in your bedroom, for a bird of the sky may carry the message, and a winged creature may report the matter. <a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">American Standard Version</a> Revile not the king, no, not in thy thought; and revile not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the heavens shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter. <a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Don't let yourself think about cursing the king; don't curse the rich, not even in secret. A little bird might hear and tell everything. <a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Don't curse the king even in your thoughts, and don't curse rich people even in your bedroom. A bird may carry your words, or some winged creature may repeat what you say. <a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Good News Translation</a> Don't criticize the king, even silently, and don't criticize the rich, even in the privacy of your bedroom. A bird might carry the message and tell them what you said. <a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">International Standard Version</a> Do not curse the king, even in your thoughts. Do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom. For a bird will fly by and tell what you say, or something with wings may talk about it. <a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NET Bible</a> Do not curse a king even in your thoughts, and do not curse the rich while in your bedroom; for a bird might report what you are thinking, or some winged creature might repeat your words. <a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Do not curse the king, no, not in your thoughts; and do not curse the rich in your bedchamber: for a bird of the sky may carry your voice, and that which has wings may tell the matter. <a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bed-chamber: for a bird of the air will carry the voice, and that which hath wings will tell the matter. <a href="/web/ecclesiastes/10.htm">World English Bible</a> Don’t curse the king, no, not in your thoughts; and don’t curse the rich in your bedroom, for a bird of the sky may carry your voice, and that which has wings may tell the matter. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Even in your mind do not revile a king, "" And in the inner parts of your bed-chamber do not revile the rich: For a bird of the heavens causes the voice to go, "" And a possessor of wings declares the word. <a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Even in thy mind a king revile not, And in the inner parts of thy bed-chamber Revile not the rich: For a fowl of the heavens causeth the voice to go, And a possessor of wings declareth the word. <a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Thou shalt not curse the king in thy consciousness, and in thy bed-chamber thou shalt not curse the rich for the bird of the heavens will bring the voice, and the possessor of wings shall announce the word.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Detract not the king, no not in thy thought; and speak not evil of the rich man in thy private chamber: because even the birds of the air will carry thy voice, and he that hath wings will tell what thou hast said. <a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> You should not slander the king, even in your thoughts, and you should not speak evil of a wealthy man, even in your private chamber. For even the birds of the air will carry your voice, and whatever has wings will announce your opinion. <a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New American Bible</a> Even in your thoughts do not curse the king, nor in the privacy of your bedroom curse the rich; For the birds of the air may carry your voice, a winged creature may tell what you say. <a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> 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 voice, or some winged creature tell the matter.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Do not curse the king, no not even in your thought; and do not curse the rich in your bedchamber; for a bird of the air shall carry your voice, and that which has wings shall tell the matter. <a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And also do not revile the King in your mind, and in your bedroom do not insult a rich man, because a bird of the sky will transmit your voice, and the Lord of the bird will show your statement<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/10.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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. <a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Even in thy conscience, curse not the king; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry thy voice, and that which has wings shall report thy speech. <a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=1992" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Wisdom and Folly</a> …19A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything. 20<a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7043.htm" title="7043: tə·qal·lêl (V-Piel-Imperf-2ms) -- To be slight, swift or trifling. A primitive root; to be light, literally Or figuratively.">curse</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">even</a> <a href="/hebrew/4093.htm" title="4093: bə·mad·dā·‘ă·ḵā (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 2ms) -- Knowledge, thought. Or maddai; from yada'; intelligence or consciousness.">in your thoughts,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/7043.htm" title="7043: tə·qal·lêl (V-Piel-Imperf-2ms) -- To be slight, swift or trifling. A primitive root; to be light, literally Or figuratively.">curse</a> <a href="/hebrew/6223.htm" title="6223: ‘ā·šîr (Adj-ms) -- Rich. From ashar; rich, whether literal or figurative.">the rich</a> <a href="/hebrew/2315.htm" title="2315: ū·ḇə·ḥaḏ·rê (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-mpc) -- A chamber, room. From chadar; an apartment.">even in your bedroom,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4904.htm" title="4904: miš·kā·ḇə·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Place of lying, a couch, act of lying. From shakab; a bed; abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/5775.htm" title="5775: ‘ō·wp̄ (N-msc) -- Flying creatures. From uwph; a bird, often collectively.">a bird</a> <a href="/hebrew/8064.htm" title="8064: haš·šā·ma·yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Heaven, sky. Dual of an unused singular shameh; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky.">of the air</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: yō·w·lîḵ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">may carry</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6963.htm" title="6963: haq·qō·wl (Art:: N-ms) -- Sound, voice. Or qol; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound.">your words,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1167.htm" title="1167: ū·ḇa·‘al (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Owner, lord. From ba'al; a master; hence, a husband, or owner.">and a winged creature</a> <a href="/hebrew/3671.htm" title="3671: hak·kə·nå̄·p̄a·yim (N-fd) -- Wing, extremity. From kanaph; an edge or extremity; specifically a wing, a flap, a quarter, a pinnacle."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: yag·gêḏ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To be conspicuous. ">may report</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: dā·ḇār (N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">your speech.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/proverbs/23-7.htm">Proverbs 23:7</a> for he is keeping track, inwardly counting the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. <a href="/luke/12-3.htm">Luke 12:3</a> What you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the housetops. <a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36</a> But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. <a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-6</a> In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. / The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. <a href="/psalms/139-4.htm">Psalm 139:4</a> Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD. <a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a> Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. <a href="/matthew/10-26.htm">Matthew 10:26-27</a> So do not be afraid of them. For there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known. / What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops. <a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a> He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-5.htm">1 Corinthians 4:5</a> Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. <a href="/psalms/64-3.htm">Psalm 64:3-4</a> who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, / ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear. <a href="/proverbs/6-2.htm">Proverbs 6:2</a> if you have been trapped by the words of your lips, ensnared by the words of your mouth, <a href="/mark/4-22.htm">Mark 4:22</a> For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be brought to light. <a href="/proverbs/12-13.htm">Proverbs 12:13</a> An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble. <a href="/romans/2-16.htm">Romans 2:16</a> on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Christ Jesus, as proclaimed by my gospel. <a href="/psalms/141-3.htm">Psalm 141:3</a> Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Curse not the king, no not in your thought; and curse not the rich in your bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which has wings shall tell the matter.curse<a href="/exodus/22-28.htm">Exodus 22:28</a> Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.<a href="/isaiah/8-21.htm">Isaiah 8:21</a> And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward.<a href="/acts/23-5.htm">Acts 23:5</a> Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.thought<a href="/ecclesiastes/7-21.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:21,22</a> Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: … <a href="/luke/19-40.htm">Luke 19:40</a> And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.in thy bedchamber<a href="/luke/10-40.htm">Luke 10:40</a> But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.<a href="/luke/12-2.htm">Luke 12:2,3</a> For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/30-19.htm">Air</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/22-11.htm">Bedchamber</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/22-11.htm">Bed-Chamber</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-12.htm">Bedroom</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-8.htm">Bird</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-15.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/psalms/145-21.htm">Creature</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-21.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-3.htm">Furthermore</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-2.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-22.htm">Inner</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-6.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-16.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-6.htm">News</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-25.htm">Report</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-6.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-4.htm">Rooms</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-22.htm">Secretly</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-13.htm">Sky</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-11.htm">Sleeping</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-21.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-6.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/job/39-13.htm">Wing</a> <a href="/psalms/148-10.htm">Winged</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-5.htm">Wings</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-14.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/4-25.htm">Air</a> <a href="/exodus/8-3.htm">Bedchamber</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-7.htm">Bed-Chamber</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-7.htm">Bedroom</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-4.htm">Bird</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-29.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-14.htm">Creature</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-9.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-5.htm">Furthermore</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-2.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/songs/1-4.htm">Inner</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-13.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-8.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/isaiah/12-5.htm">News</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-6.htm">Report</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-17.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-20.htm">Rooms</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-9.htm">Secretly</a> <a href="/songs/2-17.htm">Sky</a> <a href="/songs/5-2.htm">Sleeping</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-4.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/songs/1-4.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-18.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-4.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-14.htm">Wing</a> <a href="/isaiah/6-2.htm">Winged</a> <a href="/isaiah/6-2.htm">Wings</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-10.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 10</div>1. <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">observations of wisdom and folly</a> 7. <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-7.htm">death in life</a> 9. <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">and the day of judgment in the days of youth, are to be thought on</a> </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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Do not curse the king even in your thoughts This phrase emphasizes the importance of respecting authority, a theme consistent throughout Scripture. In biblical times, kings were seen as God's appointed leaders (<a href="/romans/13.htm">Romans 13:1-2</a>). The admonition to avoid cursing even in one's thoughts highlights the belief that God knows the heart (<a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>). The wisdom literature often advises caution in speech and thought, recognizing the power of words (<a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a>). This reflects a broader biblical principle of honoring those in authority, as seen in the commandment to honor one's father and mother (<a href="/exodus/20-12.htm">Exodus 20:12</a>).or curse the rich even in your bedroom The mention of the rich alongside the king suggests a broader application to those in positions of power and influence. In ancient Near Eastern culture, wealth was often associated with divine favor, and the rich held significant social and political power. The private setting of a bedroom implies that even secret thoughts and words are not beyond accountability. This aligns with Jesus' teaching that what is whispered in private will be proclaimed from the rooftops (<a href="/luke/12-3.htm">Luke 12:3</a>). The caution against cursing reflects a call to integrity and the understanding that God hears all (<a href="/psalms/139.htm">Psalm 139:1-4</a>).for a bird of the air may carry your words This imagery of a bird carrying words is a proverbial expression suggesting that secrets have a way of being revealed. It underscores the idea that nothing is truly hidden, echoing the biblical theme of divine omniscience (<a href="/hebrews/4-13.htm">Hebrews 4:13</a>). The use of a bird, a common creature, implies the natural and inevitable spread of information. This serves as a warning to be mindful of one's speech, as careless words can lead to unintended consequences (<a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-6</a>).and a winged creature may report your speech The repetition of the idea with "a winged creature" reinforces the warning about the potential for private words to become public. This reflects the biblical understanding of the power of words and the importance of self-control (<a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a>). The phrase suggests that even the most discreet conversations can be exposed, encouraging believers to live transparently and righteously. This aligns with the call to let one's yes be yes and no be no, as taught by Jesus (<a href="/matthew/5-37.htm">Matthew 5:37</a>), promoting honesty and integrity in all aspects of life.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_king.htm">The King</a> Represents authority and governance. In the context of ancient Israel, the king was seen as God's appointed ruler, deserving respect and honor. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_rich.htm">The Rich</a> Symbolizes those with power and influence in society. Their actions and decisions can significantly impact the lives of others. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_bird_of_the_air.htm">The Bird of the Air</a> A metaphorical representation of how words can travel and be spread, even when spoken in private. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_winged_creature.htm">The Winged Creature</a> Another metaphor emphasizing the idea that spoken words can be carried far beyond their intended audience. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_bedroom.htm">The Bedroom</a> A place of privacy and intimacy, highlighting the idea that even in our most private spaces, our words can have consequences.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/guard_your_thoughts_and_words.htm">Guard Your Thoughts and Words</a> Our thoughts and words, even when private, can have public consequences. We must be vigilant in guarding our speech and thoughts, recognizing their potential impact. <a href="/topical/r/respect_for_authority.htm">Respect for Authority</a> The verse underscores the importance of respecting those in positions of authority, as disrespect can lead to unintended repercussions. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a> Words have the power to build up or tear down. We should strive to use our words to edify and encourage rather than to curse or criticize. <a href="/topical/a/awareness_of_consequences.htm">Awareness of Consequences</a> Even in private, our words can be revealed and have consequences. We should live with integrity, ensuring our private and public lives align. <a href="/topical/d/divine_accountability.htm">Divine Accountability</a> God hears and knows all, including our thoughts and words. We should live with an awareness of divine accountability, seeking to honor God in all we say and do.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 10</a> <a href="/q/why_are_faithful_people_sometimes_poor.htm">Proverbs 10:22 promises that the Lord's blessing brings wealth--how do we explain faithful yet impoverished individuals?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_cherubim_have_four_faces.htm">In Ezekiel 10:14, why do the cherubim have four faces, seemingly inconsistent with other biblical angelic descriptions?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_zech._5_9_with_pagan_bans.htm">How should we reconcile the imagery of stork-winged women transporting the basket in Zechariah 5:9 with the broader biblical prohibition of associating with pagan symbols?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_ezekiel_10's_imagery_relate_to_babylon.htm">How does the intricate temple imagery in Ezekiel 10 relate to known architecture and practices during the Babylonian captivity?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) Thought.--A word of later Hebrew, found only in Daniel and Chronicles.That which hath wings.--Literally, master of wings; and so also <a href="/proverbs/1-17.htm" title="Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.">Proverbs 1:17</a>. (Comp. "master of the tongue," <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-11.htm" title="Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.">Ecclesiastes 10:11</a>.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 20. - Curse not the king, no not in thy thought. Under the above-mentioned circumstances, a man might be tempted to abuse and curse these ill-conditioned rulers. Koheleth warns against this error; it is dangerous to give way to it (comp. <a href="/exodus/22-28.htm">Exodus 22:28</a>). In <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:2</a> the motive for submission to the king is placed on religious grounds; in the present passage the ground is prudence, regard for personal safety, which might be compromised by plain speaking, especially when one has to do with such depraved and unscrupulous persons. We may compare David's generous conduct to his cruel persecutor Saul, whom he spared because he was the Lord's anointed (<a href="/1_samuel/24-6.htm">1 Samuel 24:6</a>, l0; 26:9, etc.; <a href="/2_samuel/1-14.htm">2 Samuel 1:14</a>). Madda, "thought," "consciousness," is rare, and is supposed to belong to late Hebrew (see <a href="/2_chronicles/1-10.htm">2 Chronicles 1:10, 11, 12</a>; <a href="/daniel/1-4.htm">Daniel 1:4, 17</a>). The Septuagint translates it συνείδησις: Vulgate, cogitatio. To encourage such thoughts in the mind is to run the risk of openly expressing them at some unguarded moment; for "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." Curse not the rich in thy bedchamber. In ability to injure, the rich stand in the same category as the king. You are not safe ἐν τανιείοις κοιτώνων σου, "in your very bedchamber," where, if anywhere, you would fancy yourself free from espionage. But "walls have ears," says the proverb (comp. <a href="/habakkuk/2-11.htm">Habakkuk 2:11</a>; <a href="/luke/19-40.htm">Luke 19:40</a>); and the King of Syria is warned, "Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the King of Israel the words thou speakest in thy bedchamber" (<a href="/2_kings/6-12.htm">2 Kings 6:12</a>). "That which ye have spoken in the ear in closets (ἐν τοῖς ταμιείοις) shall be proclaimed upon the housetops" (<a href="/luke/12-3.htm">Luke 12:3</a>). For a bird of the air shall carry the voice. A proverbial saying, common to all languages, and not to be referred especially to the story of the cranes of Ibycus (see Erasmus,' Adag.,' s.v. "Ultio malefacti") or to the employment of carrier pigeons. We say of secret information, "a little bird told me." Plumptre quotes Aristophanes, 'Aves,' 575 -  Οὐδείς οϊδεν τὸν θησαυρὸν τὸν ἐμὸν πλὴν εἴ τις ἄρ ὄρνις "No one knows of my treasure, save, it may be, a bird." On which the Scholiast notes, "There is a proverb extant, ' No one observes me but the passing bird'" (comp. Erasmus, ' Adag.,' s.v. "Occulta"). In Koheleth's day informers evidently plied their trade industriously, and here meet, not only with notice, but ironically with reprobation. On the general sentiment of the verse, we may quote Juvenal, 'Sat.,' 9:102, "O Corydon, Corydon," thus versified in Ginsburg's commentary - "And dost thou seriously believe, fond swain, The actions of the great unknown remain? Poor Corydon! even beasts would silence break, And stocks and stones, if servants did not, speak. Bolt every door, stop every cranny tight, Close every window, put out every light; Let not a whisper reach the listening ear, No noise, no motion; let no soul be near; Yet all that passed at the cock's second crow, The neighboring vintner shall, ere day-break, know." That which hath wings (compare Latin ales); the possessor (haul) of a pair of wings, a periphrasis for "a bird," as in <a href="/proverbs/1-17.htm">Proverbs 1:17</a>. We had "master of the tongue," ver. 11; so in <a href="/daniel/8-6.htm">Daniel 8:6, 20</a>, "having horns," is "master (haul) of horns." . . . <a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Do not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not curse תְּקַלֵּ֔ל (tə·qal·lêl) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7043.htm">Strong's 7043: </a> To be slight, swift or trifling the king מֶ֚לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king even גַּ֣ם (gam) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and in your thoughts, בְּמַדָּֽעֲךָ֗ (bə·mad·dā·‘ă·ḵā) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4093.htm">Strong's 4093: </a> Intelligence, consciousness [or] אַל־ (’al-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not curse תְּקַלֵּ֖ל (tə·qal·lêl) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7043.htm">Strong's 7043: </a> To be slight, swift or trifling the rich עָשִׁ֑יר (‘ā·šîr) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6223.htm">Strong's 6223: </a> Rich even in your bedroom, וּבְחַדְרֵי֙ (ū·ḇə·ḥaḏ·rê) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2315.htm">Strong's 2315: </a> A chamber, room for כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction a bird ע֤וֹף (‘ō·wp̄) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5775.htm">Strong's 5775: </a> Flying creatures of the sky הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙ (haš·šā·ma·yim) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8064.htm">Strong's 8064: </a> Heaven, sky may carry יוֹלִ֣יךְ (yō·w·lîḵ) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk your words, הַקּ֔וֹל (haq·qō·wl) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6963.htm">Strong's 6963: </a> A voice, sound and a winged creature וּבַ֥עַל (ū·ḇa·‘al) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1167.htm">Strong's 1167: </a> A master, a husband, owner may report יַגֵּ֥יד (yag·gêḏ) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> To be conspicuous your speech. דָּבָֽר׃ (dā·ḇār) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 10:20 Don't curse the king no not (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 10:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 10:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/11-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 11:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 11:1" /></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>