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.

ECCLESIASTES 10:20KJV
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Ecclesiastes 10:20 (KJV)

What does Ecclesiastes 10:20 mean?

Ecclesiastes 10:20 warns against speaking badly about those in power, even in private thoughts or secret places, because what is said in secret can unexpectedly become known. The verse uses the image of a bird carrying words away to show that private criticism can somehow reach the ears of those being criticized.

The speaker is traditionally understood to be Solomon, offering wisdom to anyone living under authority. The verse addresses the reality that words, even those spoken in the privacy of a bedroom, are not as safe as one might think. The warning is practical: be careful with your words about rulers or the wealthy, since information has a way of spreading, sometimes in surprising ways.

The Hebrew behind Ecclesiastes 10:20

  • "Curse" (קָלַל, qalal): This word means to treat lightly, to belittle, or to speak disrespectfully. The verse uses it twice, emphasizing both public and private disrespect.
  • "Thought" (מִדָּע, middāʿ): This word refers to the mind or understanding. The warning includes even silent, internal criticism, not just spoken words.
  • "Bird" (עוֹף, ʿôph): This is a general word for a flying creature. The phrase "a bird of the air shall carry the voice" is a vivid metaphor for how secrets can travel.
  • "Voice" (קוֹל, qôl): This word means sound or voice. The verse suggests that even a quiet word can be carried away and made known.

Why Ecclesiastes 10:20 matters

  • Ecclesiastes 10:20 clears up the idea that private thoughts or conversations are always safe from exposure, highlighting the unpredictability of how information spreads.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of discretion and self-control, especially regarding those who have power or influence.
  • This warning fits the broader theme of Ecclesiastes, which often points out the limits of human control and the unexpected ways life can unfold.

Where else these words appear

“thought” Hebrew H4093 · used in 6 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 1:10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?
  • 2 Chronicles 1:11 And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:
  • Daniel 1:4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

“rich” Hebrew H6223 · used in 23 verses

  • Exodus 30:15 The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.
  • Psalms 49:2 Both low and high, rich and poor, together.
  • Proverbs 22:16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

“bedchamber” Hebrew H2315 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 43:30 And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.
  • 1 Kings 20:30 But the rest fled to Aphek, into the city; and there a wall fell upon twenty and seven thousand of the men that were left. And Benhadad fled, and came into the city, into an inner chamber.
  • Proverbs 7:27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

“bedchamber” Hebrew H4904 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 49:4 Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch.
  • Judges 21:11 And this is the thing that ye shall do, Ye shall utterly destroy every male, and every woman that hath lain by man.
  • Job 33:19 He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain: