Ecclesiastes 10:20

Even in thy conscience, curse not the king; 1 And curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: 1 For a bird of the air shall carry thy voice, 1 And that which has wings shall report thy speech.

Updated 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, 1 And wine and oil that the living should rejoice: 1 But to money all things will humbly yield obedience. 1

Read all of Ecclesiastes 10

Cross References

Exodus 22:27Thou 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 Elisha the prophet that is in Israel reports to the king of Israel all the words whatsoever thou mayest say in thy bedchamber.

Ecclesiastes 7:21Also take no heed 1 To all the words which ungodly men shall speak; 1 Lest thou hear thy servant cursing thee. 1

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