Pro 26:2 | KingComments | STEP | The flitting of “a sparrow” and the flying of “a swallow” is unpredictable and happens without any destination. Nor are they catchable. It is useless to try to do so. So it is with a curse that a fool utters for no reason. It has no effect. Only fools utter such curses. The foolish Saul uttered a curse that did not alight ( ). The foolish Goliath “cursed David by his gods” ( ) and then was made a head shorter. Simei cursed David and was punished for it ( ; ). The curses pronounced on Jeremiah by his enemies also dissolved into nothingness ( ). It is fitting for the Old Testament believer to ask God for the wicked who harms him: “He also loved cursing, so it came to him” ( ). When we, New Testament believers, have to deal with people who curse us, who wish evil upon us, we may respond in the way that the Lord Jesus tells us: “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” ( ).

‏ Proverbs 26:2

A Curse Without Cause Does Not Alight

The flitting of “a sparrow” and the flying of “a swallow” is unpredictable and happens without any destination. Nor are they catchable. It is useless to try to do so. So it is with a curse that a fool utters for no reason. It has no effect.

Only fools utter such curses. The foolish Saul uttered a curse that did not alight (1Sam 14:28 ; 45). The foolish Goliath “cursed David by his gods” (1Sam 17:43-44) and then was made a head shorter. Simei cursed David and was punished for it (2Sam 16:5-14; 1Kgs 2:8). The curses pronounced on Jeremiah by his enemies also dissolved into nothingness (Jer 15:10b).

It is fitting for the Old Testament believer to ask God for the wicked who harms him: “He also loved cursing, so it came to him” (Psa 109:17). When we, New Testament believers, have to deal with people who curse us, who wish evil upon us, we may respond in the way that the Lord Jesus tells us: “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Lk 6:28).