Translations
Modern
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.
Traditional
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.
Literal
Even in your thought you must not belittle the king, and in the chambers of your bed do not belittle the rich, for a bird of the heavens may carry along your voice, and a possessor of wings may declare the word.
Latin
In cogitatione tua regi ne detrahas, et in secreto cubiculi tui ne maledixeris diviti: quia et aves cæli portabunt vocem tuam, et qui habet pennas annuntiabit sententiam.
Original
Hebrew
English
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.
Notes
It is often a mystery how others know what we have said. To manage our reputation, we should manage our thoughts.
The audience for this speech might have been a group of government workers. How should a leader govern when power and wealth lead to a lack of responsibility?
Glossary
Topics
Citizens: Duties of King: Loyalty To, Enjoined Kings: Curse Not, Even in Thought Reverence for Kings Speaking: Evil