Matthew Henry Commentary Ecclesiastes 10:16-20

"Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning! Happy art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! By slothfulness the roof sinketh in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaketh. A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh glad the life; and money answereth all things. Revile not the king, no, not in thy thought; and revile not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the heavens shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter." — Ecclesiastes 10:16-20 (ASV)

The happiness of a land depends on the character of its rulers. The people cannot be happy when their princes are childish and lovers of pleasure. Slothfulness is detrimental to both private and public affairs. Money, by itself, will neither feed nor clothe, though it meets the needs of this present life, since what is obtainable can generally be acquired with money.

But the soul, just as it is not redeemed, so it is not sustained by corruptible things such as silver and gold. God sees what people do and hears what they say in secret; and, when He chooses, reveals it in surprising and unexpected ways. If there is danger in secret thoughts and whispers against earthly rulers, what must be the danger from every deed, word, or thought of rebellion against the King of kings, and Lord of lords!

He sees in secret. His ear is always open. Sinner! Do not curse THIS KING in your inmost thought. Your curses cannot affect Him; but His curse, coming down upon you, will sink you to the lowest hell.