It is during episodes of fun and frolic, as in the previous section, that many foolish indiscretions may occur and confidences be betrayed – and perhaps the theme continues as Solomon stresses the paramount importance of discretion and confidentiality. It is good practice, he seems to be saying, to say only what needs to be said and what is worth saying.

Do not waste your time bad-mouthing the king, the boss or the competition, even in private, even in your thoughts, says Solomon, because it is a worthless, unproductive habit. Bitterly cursing the rich or reviling the king and blaming others for your lack of success reflects a harmful attitude and lack of mental discipline that will inevitably manifest itself to your disadvantage, sooner or later.

Walls have ears, Solomon seems to be saying, and comments apparently made in complete confidence have a way of leaking out – perhaps by alignments of circumstances as bizarre as that of a bird, such as a parrot, hearing your words, flying off and mimicking them in the hearing of the person being maligned.

As with all Solomon’s proverbs, a variety of lessons may be drawn. For example, are there parrot people around you, individuals who may innocently repeat comments they have accidentally overheard -- not understanding the significance of what they say any more than a parrot mimicking its master?

I leave the reader to explain Solomon’s reference to the bedroom in this context!

Perhaps James has this section in mind when he says, Quote: “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be” (James 3:9).

Paul appears to be making a similar point when he says, Quote: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those listen” (Ephesians 4:29).