Ecclesiastes 10:20

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.

Brenton Septuagint

In The King James 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.

In Context

19Men prepare bread for laughter, and wine and oil that the living should rejoice: but to money all things will humbly yield obedience.

Read all of Ecclesiastes 10

Cross References

Exodus 22:27+ 22:27 Acts 23. 5. Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor speak ill of the ruler of thy people.

2 Kings 6:12And one of his servants said, Nay, my Lord, O king, for Elisaie the prophet that is in Israel reports to the king of Israel all the words whatsoever thou mayest say in + 6:12 Gr. closet of thy bedchamber.thy bedchamber.

Ecclesiastes 7:21Also take no heed to all the words which ungodly men shall speak; lest thou hear thy servant cursing thee.

Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 10:17-20

Mutual Duties of Princes and Subjects. 16 Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning! 17 Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! 18 By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through. 19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things. 20 Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Ecclesiastes 10:20