Ecclesiastes 10:20

Arabic Bible Life (Targamet El Hayah) (LA)

لا تلعن الملك حتى في فكرك، ولا تشتم الغني في مخدعك، لأن طير السماء ينقل صوتك، وذا الجناح يبلغ الأمر.

What Does This Mean?

Ecclesiastes 10:20 warns against speaking ill of the king or the rich, even in private. It suggests that words spoken in secrecy can still reach the wrong ears. The key message is to be cautious with your words.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're talking about someone behind their back, even in your room. This verse tells us that our words can travel like birds, and before you know it, the person you're talking about might hear what you said. It's like whispering in one room and having the message fly to another room.

Historical Background

The Book of Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to King Solomon, written around the 5th century BCE. It reflects on the futility of life and the importance of fearing God. The verse was written to a people living under a monarchical system where the king and the wealthy had significant influence.

Living It Out Today

In a modern scenario, this could apply to criticizing your boss or a high-ranking official in your company. Even if you think you're safe in private, rumors and gossip can spread quickly, potentially causing harm to your career or relationships.

Topics

• wisdom
• speech
• morality
• power
• consequences
• privacy

Related Verses

• Proverbs 20:28
• Matthew 12:36
• James 3:6
• Exodus 20:7
• Proverbs 18:8

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Ecclesiastes 10:20 mention birds?

The verse uses birds as a metaphor to emphasize that words spoken in secrecy can travel far and wide. It suggests that even in private, one should be cautious about what they say.

What does 'curse not the king' mean?

It means to avoid speaking ill of those in power, even in private. This advice reflects the importance of respecting authority and the potential consequences of speaking against those in high positions.

How can this verse be applied in a workplace?

In a workplace, this verse advises against gossiping or speaking negatively about superiors or the company in private, as these words can still reach the wrong ears and cause problems.

Does this verse apply to all people, or just kings and the rich?

While the verse specifically mentions kings and the rich, the principle can be extended to all people in positions of authority or influence, emphasizing the importance of careful speech.