In this parasha, we read about Yaakov’s stay in the household of his deceitful father-in-law Lavan, who spares no effort to cheat him out of his hard-earned wages. After working seven years for Rachel, Yaakov is given Leah instead and is forced to work an additional seven years. Even when he finally begins earning a salary in the form of newborn lambs, Lavan makes unsuccessful attempts to limit Yaakov’s income.
Eventually, Yaakov decides it is time to leave and calls his two wives out to the fields to inform them. The Gemara (Brachot 8B) explains that he does so because private matters are best discussed away from eavesdroppers. Rashi, quoting Midrash Tehillim, notes the phrase אזנים לכותל (oznayim lakotel), meaning "walls have ears."
The idiom "walls have ears" serves as a cautionary reminder to be careful when sharing sensitive information, as someone might be secretly listening. This phrase was notably used on Allied WWII propaganda posters, warning soldiers and civilians against careless talk to prevent espionage. The Louvre in Paris illustrates the concept literally: certain walls were constructed to allow sound to travel easily between rooms, enabling someone to secretly overhear conversations in adjacent spaces.
So, whether you're in Lavan's tent or the Louvre, remember to choose your words wisely—because even the quietest walls might be better listeners than you'd think.