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.
Context
This verse from Ecclesiastes Chapter 10 connects to 10 cross-references. Wisdom sayings in the style of Proverbs about foolishness in rulers, workers, and speakers: a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor as dead flies spoil the perfume maker's ointment. A fool's speech is laborious and he does not know the …
Other Translations
Revile not the king, no, not in thy thought; and revile not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the heavens shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.
Even in thy mind a king revile not, And in the inner parts of thy bed-chamber Revile not the rich: For a fowl of the heavens causeth the voice to go, And a possessor of wings declareth the word.
Say not a curse against the king, even in your thoughts; and even secretly say not a curse against the man of wealth; because a bird of the air will take the voice, and that which has wings will give news of it.
Cross References
Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.
And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth …
And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall …
And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would …
Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in …
For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.
But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my …
Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not …
For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: