Ecclesiastes 10:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ecclesiastes 10:20
20 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.
Chapter Context
Ecclesiastes 10 is a philosophical reflection chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, wisdom, faith. Written during likely Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Royal wisdom reflections paralleled other ancient Near Eastern philosophical works.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ecclesiastes and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ecclesiastes 10:20
20 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.
Analysis
Curse not the king, no not in thy thought (גַּם בְּמַדָּעֲךָ מֶלֶךְ אַל־תְּקַלֵּל, gam bemadda'akha melekh al-teqalel)—'even in your knowledge/mind, do not curse the king,' using madda (thought, knowledge). And curse not the rich in thy bedchamber (וּבְחַדְרֵי מִשְׁכָּבְךָ אַל־תְּקַלֵּל עָשִׁיר, uvechadrei mishkavekha al-teqalel ashir)—'and in your sleeping chambers do not curse the rich.' For a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter (כִּי עוֹף הַשָּׁמַיִם יוֹלִיךְ אֶת־הַקּוֹל וּבַעַל כְּנָפַיִם יַגֵּיד דָּבָר, ki of hashamayim yolikh et-haqol uva'al kenafayim yaggid davar)—literally 'for a bird of the heavens will carry the voice, and a winged creature will report the matter.'
Remarkable wisdom about discretion: don't curse (qalal, to treat with contempt or speak ill of) authority even in private madda (thoughts) or chadrei mishkav (bedroom chambers), because somehow it will be exposed—'a bird will carry the voice.' This proverbial expression (origin of 'little bird told me') acknowledges reality: secrets rarely stay secret. More deeply, it counsels guarding one's heart against contemptuous attitudes toward authority, knowing thoughts shape character and inevitably leak through speech. Romans 13:1-2 commands submission to governing authorities; 1 Peter 2:17 says 'Honor the emperor.' Even unjust rulers deserve honor for office, if not person. Jesus never cursed Caesar; Paul blessed hostile authorities.
Historical Context
Ancient monarchies had extensive spy networks; courts were riddled with informants. The 'bird' imagery reflects genuine danger—careless speech could reach royal ears with deadly consequences. Daniel navigated such environments carefully (Daniel 6).
Reflection
- How do you maintain respectful attitudes toward authorities you disagree with or consider unjust?
- What does it mean to guard not just speech but even 'thoughts' against cursing those in power?
- How can you balance honest critique of leadership with the biblical command to honor governing authorities?
Cross-References
- Kingdom: 2 Kings 6:12, Isaiah 8:21
- Curse: Exodus 22:28
- Parallel theme: Luke 10:40, 19:40, Acts 23:5