Ecclesiastes 10:13-20

Even the birds have ears

Do not curse the king, even in your thought; Do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom; For a bird of the air may carry your voice, and a bird in flight may tell the matter. ~ Ecclesiastes 10:20

When I was a little girl, I remember hearing one of my dad’s favorite sayings: “Even the birds have ears these days.” I didn’t fully understand it at the time, but as I grew older, I realized he would say that whenever one of his children repeated something we had overheard, especially if it involved gossip or criticism of others. It was his way of teaching us to guard our words, because once spoken, they couldn’t be taken back and somehow, they always had a way of getting around.

I never realized he got this saying from scripture, but this timeless wisdom in Ecclesiastes reminds us that our private thoughts, whispered frustrations, and careless complaints don’t always stay hidden. Even if we think no one hears, the ripple effect of our words can still travel, sometimes further than we ever intended. This passage warns us not just to refrain from saying certain things out loud, but to be cautious even in what we think, because our attitudes shape our speech, and our speech shapes our witness.

Here are some ways we can watch over our thoughts and words to ensure that they are always honoring to God and to others:

1. Guard Your Thoughts – Begin with awareness. What are you thinking about others when no one is around? Ask the Holy Spirit to renew your mind and give you grace-filled thoughts.
2. Pause Before Speaking – Practice the power of the pause. Before repeating something you’ve heard, ask yourself: Is this helpful? Is it kind? Would I say this if the person were in the room?
3. Speak Blessing, Not Cursing – Whether it’s leadership, coworkers, family, or even government officials, choose to bless with your words, even when it’s difficult. Remember, honoring others honors God.
4. Create Safe Speech Spaces – Surround yourself with people who hold you accountable to godly speech. Invite honest feedback and correction when your words begin to drift.
5. Pray Before You Process – Instead of venting first to others, take your frustrations to God. He can handle your honesty, and He’s the safest place to process your heart without causing collateral damage.

Below are a few hints to help you begin working on this today:

• Start small. Catch yourself the next time you’re tempted to complain, condemn or criticize in private.
• Replace that moment with a prayer or a word of encouragement.
• Keep a journal to track when you speak life and when you need to pause.
• Ask God daily to set a guard over your mouth (Psalm 141:3) and to purify your heart so that your words flow from a place of grace and wisdom.

Today I want to encourage you to remember that your words are powerful. Whether whispered in secret or spoken aloud, Ecclesiastes reminds us that even in the unseen places, our words have great weight. They shape atmospheres, influence opinions, and reflect the state of our hearts. But when we choose wisdom, when we fill our mouths with life-giving, gracious speech, we become safe people who build others up rather than tear them down. Let’s live in such a way that if the birds do carry our words, they’re carrying words of hope, honor, healing and life.

Let your words display the heart of Christ Jesus, because even the birds have ears.

Today’s scripture reading: Ecclesiastes 10:13-20

13 The words of his mouth begin with foolishness, and the end of his talk is raving madness.

14 A fool also multiplies words No man knows what is to be; Who can tell him what will be after him?

15 The labor of fools wearies them, for they do not even know how to go to the city!

16 Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes feast in the morning!

17 Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your princes feast at the proper time— For strength and not for drunkenness!

18 Because of laziness the building decays, and through idleness of hands the house leaks.

19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry; But money answers everything.

20 Do not curse the king, even in your thought; Do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom; For a bird of the air may carry your voice, and a bird in flight may tell the matter.