Scripture · Old Testament
Ecclesiastes 10:20
Ecclesiastes 10:20 is verse 20 of Ecclesiastes chapter 10, shown here in the Berean Standard Bible.
Berean Standard Bible
Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich even in your bedroom, for a bird of the air may carry your words, and a winged creature may report your speech.
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.
World English Bible
Don’t curse the king, no, not in your thoughts; and don’t curse the rich in your bedroom, for a bird of the sky may carry your voice, and that which has wings may tell the matter.
Read in context
Ecclesiastes 10:18–20 · Berean Standard Bible
18 Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks.
19 A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything.
20 Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich even in your bedroom, for a bird of the air may carry your words, and a winged creature may report your speech.
Read all of Ecclesiastes 10Hebrew words
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Study Ecclesiastes 10:20
Cross-references
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge lists these related verses. Scripture text comes from the Berean Standard Bible.
Exodus 22:28You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.
Isaiah 8:21They will roam the land, dejected and hungry. When they are famished, they will become enraged; and looking upward, they will curse their king and their God.
Acts 23:5“Brothers,” Paul replied, “I was not aware that he was the high priest, for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’”
Ecclesiastes 7:21Do not pay attention to every word that is spoken, or you may hear your servant cursing you.
Ecclesiastes 7:22For you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.
Luke 19:40“I tell you,” He answered, “if they remain silent, the very stones will cry out.”
Luke 10:40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!”
Luke 12:2There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known.
Luke 12:3What you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the housetops.