Ecclesiastes
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
“A little bird told me” is an age-old saying that finds its roots in this Bible passage. The meaning of the modern idiom is this: “I learned something, but I won’t reveal the source.” This is a meaning that has developed over time.
In our text, it is a bit different. Here, the “little bird” is portrayed as hearing you in the most private of places. There, you may feel free to “curse the king.” However, the “little bird” may report this to the king. Of course, this means trouble for you.
Our Lord tells us to honor those in authority, but we sometimes dishonor them. He tells us to pray for them, but we sometimes curse them, i.e., we wish bad things would happen to them. The Spirit is warning us that it is hard to keep this from leaking out. The “little bird” may be some stranger who overheard you, or a companion who repeats your words to someone else.
The website, “Twitter,” refers to a message as a “tweet.” Sometimes, people think that they can hide or delete their tweets, but all too often, the “little bird” tweets their message all over the Internet. Thus, your foolishness comes back to “peck” at you.
We should speak the truth, not only in the quiet of the bedroom, but also in public. While millions blaspheme, we will praise King Jesus, even in our private thoughts, for He has redeemed us from all evil. He has prepared a place for us in His eternal throne room.
O Father in heaven, help me to speak of excellent things; then from the opening of my lips will come right things, for my mouth will speak truth and wickedness will be an abomination to my lips. (Cf. Prov. 8:6,7) “O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.” (Ps. 51:15) Amen.