Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.

Ecclesiastes 10:20

My Grandmother had a funny way with words in order to get her point across. Some of her favorite sayings were: “This is how the cow ate the corn” as she grabbed your knee to get your attention, “Well, shoot a monkey” when things did not go her way and “A little bird told me” when she was curious about something she had heard.

I always thought her way with words was creative and amusing. It was not until I read Ecclesiastes that I realized this play on words about a bird telling you a message was actually a warning from Solomon.

Solomon was a wise king and he understood the power of negative thoughts and spiteful words spoken in secret. He specifically asked God for wisdom and a discerning heart while governing his people because he knew the hearts of men. You can read about how he settled a dispute between two women over a child, because one was secretly trying to be conniving. (1 Kings 3: 16-28)

I challenge myself that the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart will always be pleasing to my Lord. (Psalm 19:14)

Dear Lord,

I pray that I will be careful with the things I ponder in my mind or speak about in private with others. Give me wisdom to seek out the Holy Spirit when I find myself in situation that could be tempting.

Charity O