Causeless Curses

Daily Reading: Proverbs 26

Scripture Focus:  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:  The NIV finishes the verse with, “an undeserved curse does not come to rest.” A flitting and fluttering sparrow or swallow darts here to there without coming to rest. So also does a curse that is causeless. We found the Matthew Henry Commentary of verse 2 quite interesting… Here’s what it says:

"The folly of passion. It makes men scatter causeless curses, wishing ill to others upon presumption that they are bad and have done ill, when either they mistake the person or misunderstand the fact, or they call evil good and good evil." – Matthew Henry Commentary

How often do we scatter “curses” or ill will to a perfect stranger? Think of the car that pulls out in front of you on the highway, or the lady that picks up the last item in the store that you were eying. How quickly we form unwarranted judgments about these people and even wish them ill in our moment of indignation. These causeless curses do not come to rest on the individuals to whom they were directed, but rather inflict harm on ourselves, who utter them, or think them, in anger.

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1.19, NIV).  Do you remember the story of David and Goliath?  The giant did not want to listen to David.  He was quick to become angry and quick to blare out curses upon the young shepherd boy.  Let's not be like Goliath.  Let's not finish up face down in the dirt.

Emily and Aaron Beasley

Prayer: Lord, I confess that sometimes my patience wears thin and I harbor resentment - and even ill will - toward someone who has offended me.  Forgive me, Lord.  Then help me to control not only my tongue, but my attitude as well that I might not speak ill of my brother or sister who are made in your image.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 16.1-6

1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

2 I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you."

3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.

4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.

5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.

6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.