Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ecclesiastes 10:20. It’s a really interesting and slightly philosophical idea about how we should treat people – especially those in positions of power or wealth. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Core Idea: Don’t be harsh or vengeful towards someone who has a lot of money or power. It's not about punishing them for their wealth; it’s about letting go of anger and judgment. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Curse not the king…” : This refers to a ruler, a leader, someone in authority. It’s saying don’t be angry or vengeful towards them. “…no not in thy thought” : This is key. It's not about physically punishing them. It's about stopping yourself from thinking harsh and negative thoughts about them. Your judgment should be calm and rational. “And curse not the rich in thy bedchamber” : This refers to someone who has a lot of wealth – perhaps a wealthy merchant or landowner. It’s saying don’t be angry or vengeful towards them. "...for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.” This is the most poetic part. It's comparing humans to birds. “A bird of the air” : Birds are known for their ability to fly – they can spread news and information quickly. “Shall carry the voice…” : The bird carries a message or word. “That which hath wings shall tell the matter” : The bird's wings signify that it’s conveying something important. It’s telling you what's happening! So, putting it all together: This verse is saying that don't let your anger and judgment towards someone with wealth or power stop you from simply observing and understanding what they are doing. You should try to be calm and rational about their situation. Because even though they have a lot of things, they still have the ability to share information – just like birds carry messages. What does this mean for us? It's a reminder to: Be empathetic: Try to understand people’s situations, even if you don’t agree with their choices. Avoid harsh judgment: Don't immediately condemn or blame someone based on their wealth or power. Listen and observe: Pay attention to what they are doing and how they are interacting with the world around them. In essence, it encourages a more balanced and thoughtful approach. It’s about recognizing that everyone is connected, even those in positions of influence. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Give you some examples of situations where this principle would be helpful? Explore a related Bible passage?