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.

Bible > Ecclesiastes > Chapter 10 > Verse 20

◄ Ecclesiastes 10:20 ►

New International Version
Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird in the sky may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.

New Living Translation
Never make light of the king, even in your thoughts. 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.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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.

New American Standard Bible
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.

NASB 1995
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.

NASB 1977
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.

Legacy Standard Bible
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.

Amplified Bible
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.

Christian Standard Bible
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.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
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.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
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.

English Revised 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
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.

Good News Translation
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.

International Standard Version
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.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
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.

New Heart English Bible
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.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
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.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
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.

Young's Literal Translation
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.

Smith's Literal Translation
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.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
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.

New American Bible
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.

New Revised Standard Version
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.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
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.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
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

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
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.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Wisdom and Folly
…19A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything. 20Do 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 · Download

Cross References

Proverbs 23:7
for he is keeping track, inwardly counting the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.

Luke 12:3
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.

Matthew 12:36
But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.

James 3:5-6
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.

Psalm 139:4
Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD.

Proverbs 18:21
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Matthew 10:26-27
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.

Proverbs 21:23
He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.

1 Corinthians 4:5
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.

Psalm 64:3-4
who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, / ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear.

Proverbs 6:2
if you have been trapped by the words of your lips, ensnared by the words of your mouth,

Mark 4:22
For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be brought to light.

Proverbs 12:13
An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble.

Romans 2:16
on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Christ Jesus, as proclaimed by my gospel.

Psalm 141:3
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.

Treasury of Scripture

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

Exodus 22:28
Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.

Isaiah 8:21
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.

Acts 23:5
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

Ecclesiastes 7:21,22
Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: …

Luke 19:40
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

Luke 10:40
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.

Luke 12:2,3
For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known…

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Ecclesiastes 10

1. observations of wisdom and folly
7. death in life
9. and the day of judgment in the days of youth, are to be thought on

Berean Study Bible

Do not curse the king
The phrase "Do not curse the king" emphasizes the importance of respecting authority. In the Hebrew context, the word for "curse" (קָלַל, qalal) can mean to make light of or to treat with contempt. The king, as the anointed leader, represents God's ordained authority on earth. Historically, kings were seen as God's representatives, and to curse them was to challenge divine order. This admonition serves as a reminder of the biblical principle found in Romans 13:1, which calls for submission to governing authorities as they are established by God.

even in your thoughts
The phrase "even in your thoughts" underscores the biblical teaching that God is concerned not only with outward actions but also with the inner condition of the heart. The Hebrew word for "thoughts" (מַחֲשָׁבָה, machashavah) refers to plans or intentions. This reflects the wisdom literature's focus on the heart's purity, as seen in Proverbs 4:23, which advises guarding one's heart. It is a call to maintain integrity and respect internally, not just externally.

and do not curse the rich
"and do not curse the rich" extends the principle of respect to those with wealth and influence. The Hebrew word for "rich" (עָשִׁיר, ashir) denotes those with abundance. In ancient times, the rich often held significant power and influence. This phrase warns against harboring resentment or speaking ill of those in positions of economic power, recognizing that wealth, like authority, is part of the social order allowed by God.

in your bedroom
The phrase "in your bedroom" suggests a place of privacy and intimacy. The Hebrew word for "bedroom" (חֶדֶר, cheder) implies an inner chamber or private room. This highlights the idea that even in the most private settings, one's words and thoughts should be guarded. It serves as a reminder that nothing is hidden from God, echoing the sentiment of Psalm 139:1-4, where God is aware of all our thoughts and actions.

for a bird of the air may carry your voice
"for a bird of the air may carry your voice" uses a metaphor to illustrate the potential for private words to become public. The imagery of a bird (עוֹף, oph) suggests something that seems insignificant or unnoticed can spread information. This reflects the ancient understanding of how quickly and unexpectedly words can travel, akin to the modern concept of the "grapevine" or rumor mill.

and a winged creature may report your words
"and a winged creature may report your words" reinforces the idea that spoken words can have far-reaching consequences. The Hebrew term for "winged creature" (בַּעַל כָּנָף, ba'al kanaph) literally means "master of a wing," emphasizing the swiftness and reach of communication. This serves as a cautionary note about the power of speech, aligning with James 3:5-6, which warns of the tongue's potential to cause great harm.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(20) Thought.--A word of later Hebrew, found only in Daniel and Chronicles.

That which hath wings.--Literally, master of wings; and so also Proverbs 1:17. (Comp. "master of the tongue," Ecclesiastes 10:11.)

Pulpit Commentary

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. Exodus 22:28). In Ecclesiastes 8:2 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 (1 Samuel 24:6, l0; 26:9, etc.; 2 Samuel 1:14). Madda, "thought," "consciousness," is rare, and is supposed to belong to late Hebrew (see 2 Chronicles 1:10, 11, 12; Daniel 1:4, 17). 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. Habakkuk 2:11; Luke 19:40); 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" (2 Kings 6:12). "That which ye have spoken in the ear in closets (ἐν τοῖς ταμιείοις) shall be proclaimed upon the housetops" (Luke 12:3). 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 Proverbs 1:17. We had "master of the tongue," ver. 11; so in Daniel 8:6, 20, "having horns," is "master (haul) of horns." . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

curse
תְּקַלֵּ֔ל (tə·qal·lêl)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7043: To be slight, swift or trifling

the king
מֶ֚לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

even
גַּ֣ם (gam)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: 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
Strong's 4093: Intelligence, consciousness

[or]
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

curse
תְּקַלֵּ֖ל (tə·qal·lêl)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7043: To be slight, swift or trifling

the rich
עָשִׁ֑יר (‘ā·šîr)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6223: Rich

even in your bedroom,
וּבְחַדְרֵי֙ (ū·ḇə·ḥaḏ·rê)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2315: A chamber, room

for
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

a bird
ע֤וֹף (‘ō·wp̄)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5775: Flying creatures

of the sky
הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙ (haš·šā·ma·yim)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8064: Heaven, sky

may carry
יוֹלִ֣יךְ (yō·w·lîḵ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

your words,
הַקּ֔וֹל (haq·qō·wl)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6963: A voice, sound

and a winged creature
וּבַ֥עַל (ū·ḇa·‘al)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1167: A master, a husband, owner

may report
יַגֵּ֥יד (yag·gêḏ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

your speech.
דָּבָֽר׃ (dā·ḇār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 10:20 Don't curse the king no not (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)