Ecclesiastes 10:20

The Message

Don’t bad-mouth your leaders, not even under your breath, And don’t abuse your betters, even in the privacy of your home. Loose talk has a way of getting picked up and spread around. Little birds drop the crumbs of your gossip far and wide.

Cross References

2 Kings 6:12

But one of his men said, “No, my master, dear king. It’s not any of us. It’s Elisha the prophet in Israel. He tells the king of Israel everything you say, even what you whisper in your bedroom.”

Exodus 22:28

“Don’t curse God; and don’t damn your leaders.

Luke 19:40

But he said, “If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise.”

Acts 23:5

Paul acted surprised. “How was I to know he was Chief Priest? He doesn’t act like a Chief Priest. You’re right, the Scripture does say, ‘Don’t speak abusively to a ruler of the people.’ Sorry.”