What does Ecclesiastes 10:20 mean?
"¶ 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 10:20
The Bible verse Ecclesiastes 10:20 from the King James Version (KJV) states, "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."
This verse from the Book of Ecclesiastes deals with the importance of being cautious with our thoughts and words, particularly when it comes to those in positions of authority and those who are wealthy. The verse warns against cursing or speaking ill of the king or the rich, even in the privacy of one's own bedchamber. The reasoning behind this warning is that nothing we say or think is truly private, as even the birds of the air can carry our words to others.
One of the key themes of this verse is the idea of accountability. The verse emphasizes that our thoughts and words have consequences, and even when we think we are speaking or thinking in private, there is a higher power that is aware of our actions. This serves as a reminder that we should always strive to act with integrity, even when we believe that no one is watching or listening.
The context of this verse is important to consider in understanding its meaning. The book of Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to King Solomon, who is known for his wisdom. In this book, Solomon reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment. This particular verse serves as a caution against speaking ill of those in positions of power or wealth, and it aligns with the broader theme of the book, which emphasizes the importance of wisdom and living a righteous life.
The symbolism in this verse is also significant. The mention of birds carrying the voice and wings telling the matter serves as a metaphor for the idea that nothing we say or think goes unheard or unseen. It underscores the idea that we are always accountable for our words and thoughts, and that we should strive to act with grace and integrity at all times.
In a broader sense, this verse also speaks to the importance of respect and humility. It encourages individuals to show reverence for those in positions of authority, and to refrain from speaking ill of others, particularly those who may have more material wealth. This ties into the broader themes of wisdom and righteousness present throughout the book of Ecclesiastes.
Overall, Ecclesiastes 10:20 serves as a reminder of the importance of mindful speech and thoughts, and the consequences of speaking ill of others. It emphasizes the idea of accountability and encourages individuals to act with integrity and humility, particularly when it comes to those in positions of power and wealth. The verse ultimately serves as a call to live with wisdom and righteousness, and to consider the implications of our words and actions at all times.
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Ecclesiastes 10:20 - "¶ 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."
"¶ 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 10:20
Ecclesiastes 7:20 - "For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not."
Ecclesiastes 10:10 - "If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct."
Ecclesiastes 3:20 - "All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again."
Ecclesiastes 10:6 - "Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place."
Ecclesiastes 10:11 - "Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better."
Ecclesiastes 5:20 - "For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart."
Ecclesiastes 10:18 - "¶ By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through."
Ecclesiastes 10:19 - "¶ A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things."
Ecclesiastes 2:20 - "Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun."
Ecclesiastes 10:12 - "The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself."
Ecclesiastes 10:13 - "The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness."
Ecclesiastes 10:2 - "A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left."
Ecclesiastes 10:5 - "There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler:"
Ecclesiastes 12:10 - "The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth."
Ecclesiastes 10:15 - "The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city."
Ecclesiastes 10:7 - "I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth."
Ecclesiastes 3:10 - "I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it."
Ecclesiastes 5:10 - "He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity."
"For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not." - Ecclesiastes 7:20
Ecclesiastes 10:16 - "¶ Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!"
Ecclesiastes 10:8 - "He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him."
Ecclesiastes 10:9 - "Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby."
Ecclesiastes 10:4 - "If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences."
Ecclesiastes 1:10 - "Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us."
Ecclesiastes 7:10 - "Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this."
"Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better." - Ecclesiastes 10:11
Ecclesiastes 11:10 - "Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity."
Ecclesiastes 6:10 - "That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he."