“Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, a curse that is causeless does not alight.” Proverbs 26:2
Devotional Thought For The Day
We have this sense that when people “curse” us or utter deprecating things about us, or even “cast spells” against us, that these things have a power of fulfillment all their own. This is a denial of the power of God, and of His control and governance over all things. It is also a denial of His goodness, love, and justice. That we not be fearful of such imprecations against us, God assures that a “causeless” curse is of no effect. In numerous places in Holy Scripture we are encouraged not to fear or even pay attention to the threats and wicked, malicious speech of our enemies – those who are enemies of God’s own dear children. Not only does God protect us, He assures us that the words of our enemies are like the birds that flit about us or past us – they never land on us.
The commentators also note that the author may have intended to assert that a “curse that is causeless” comes back to alight on the one who uttered it. We resonate to such poetic justice – and it may well be that God, in His justice, would cause such a thing to happen. However, in that God is merciful and long-suffering, abounding in kindness and steadfast love, this is certainly not inexorable. Our words have no power of their own – except that our evil and sinful words harden the wicked malice and hatred that exists in our fallen sinful hearts, and if unrepented bring judgment and devastation upon us. Obviously, our evil words spoken against another brings the condemnation and loathing of others upon us as well. So we are not only comforted in the case that others should utter curses upon us, we are also warned about cursing or speaking evil upon others.
Jesus spoke directly and pointedly about all of this. You recall His instructions: “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. . . . You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” [Matt. 5:22,43-45] This certainly does not mean that judgment and hell will not come – but it does clearly reveal God’s heart, His love and His good and gracious will that all should come to repentance and faith rather than perishing in wickedness, malice, hatred, and unbelief. It also clearly reveals His will that we have the same love, kindness, and goodwill toward all people – even our enemies and those who “curse” us.
So we have nothing to fear from the words of our enemies, even their curses upon us. However, there is much to fear from our own wicked hearts – if we indulge our sinful passions and act from them. We all have much need of God’s forgiveness in all of this, and thankfully the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. And we have much to learn from God’s love and mercy, and the challenge of acting in love and mercy even toward our enemies and those who hate us. God grant each of us such understanding and poignant experience of His great love and mercy, that we also grow in our love for one another and for all people.
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, help us to see and appreciate Your gracious mercy and love toward all people. Enable us to recognize the utter darkness and wickedness in our hearts when we desire the punishment and destruction of others. Help us to grow in love, to be children of our Father. Thank You for the assurance that the curses of others will not alight upon us, as we live in Your gracious forgiveness and mercy. Amen.