Read Ecclesiastes 10:11–20
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

The familiar saying “A little bird told me” probably originated from verse 20. It is easy to imagine a group of officers having a party in one of their private rooms, and instead of toasting the king, they are making light of him. Alas, somebody tells the king what was said, and this gives him reason to punish the offenders or dismiss them from their offices. Even if we can’t respect the person, we must respect the office (Rom. 13:1–7; 1 Peter 2:13–17). “You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people” (Ex. 22:28 NKJV).

These hirelings were certainly indiscreet when they cursed the king, for they should have known that one of their number would use this event either to intimidate his friends or to ingratiate himself with the ruler. A statesman asks, “What is best for my country?” A politician asks, “What is best for my party?” But a mere officeholder asks,
“What is most profitable for me?”

Something to Ponder
Think of a leader you don’t particularly respect. What can you do to at least respect the office, if not the person?