Trusting in God's Power: The Truth About Curses and Blessings
Have you ever heard the phrase, "words can hurt"? While words certainly have power, the Bible reminds us that there is a divine limit to the impact of curses and curse-like accusations. Proverbs 26:2 offers a vivid illustration:
"Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest." (NIV)
Understanding the Imagery: Birds in Flight
Small birds such as sparrows and swallows are known for their erratic, unpredictable flight patterns. Sparrows flit about quickly, darting from place to place, while swallows perform dramatic twists and turns in the air. They don’t settle or land unless they find a suitable place — perhaps a branch or a perch.
This imagery helps us understand the nature of causeless or undeserved curses. Just as these birds don’t settle unless there's a reason, a curse that is not justified or deserved by the person it’s aimed at will not "land" or take root.
What Is a Curse?
In biblical context, a curse is not a magical spell or hex. Instead, it refers to a condemnation, insult, or declaration of harm — often spoken to or about someone (see Job 3:1; Psalm 109:28; Mark 14:71; Luke 6:28). When Goliath cursed David (1 Samuel 17:43), his words were meant to harm, but they were ineffective because David’s trust was in the Lord.
God’s Sovereignty Over Curses
It’s crucial to understand that humans do not possess the supernatural power to curse others with true authority. Only God can do so (Deuteronomy 28:20; Proverbs 3:33). When an undeserved curse is spoken against someone, it doesn’t have the power to take root — because it is not sanctioned by God.
The Example of Balaam and Balak
One of the clearest biblical illustrations is found in Numbers 22-24. Balak, the king of Moab, wanted Balaam to curse Israel in hopes of defeating them. But Balaam responded:
"How can I curse whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce whom the LORD has not denounced?" (Numbers 23:8)
Despite Balak’s anger and insistence, Balaam recognized that only God's blessing or cursing carries real authority. Balaam was careful to speak only what God put in his mouth, knowing that any curse without divine authority would not succeed.
Takeaway for Believers
Trust in God's sovereignty:** No matter what others say or try to declare against you, remember that only God’s words carry true power.
Beware of curses spoken without merit:** They are like errant birds — they may flutter around but cannot land or cause lasting harm unless God permits.
Focus on God’s blessings:** As believers, our confidence is rooted in God's favor, not in the words of men.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your sovereignty and power over all things. Help us to trust in Your divine authority and to dismiss any curses or negative words spoken unjustly against us. Keep us grounded in Your truth and remind us that Your blessings are the only ones that truly succeed. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Remember: When curses try to land, they often just flutter around like birds in flight — they cannot settle unless the Lord allows it. Stand firm in His promises and rejoice in His divine protection!
Stay encouraged, and trust in the Lord’s power to protect and bless you because as the flitting of a sparrow, no causeless curse can land!
Proverbs 26:2. ESV Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, a curse that is causeless does not alight. NIV Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.
Sparrows and other small birds can follow erratic patterns. Swallows, especially, are known for dramatic twists and turns as they fly. A bird looking for food, or chasing it, flies around but doesn't land. The same is true of the "curse" levelled at the person who has done nothing wrong. In this context, a "curse" is not a magical spell or hex. It's a condemnation, insult, or declaration of harm (Job 3:1; Psalm 109:28; Mark 14:71; Luke 6:28). When Goliath threatened to kill David, he cursed David (1 Samuel 17:43), but the cursing was ineffective. Fighting for the Lord's honor, David prevailed and killed the Philistine giant (1 Samuel 17:45–50).
Human beings have no power to initiate bad luck or misfortune with their words. Only God can supernaturally "curse" anyone (Deuteronomy 28:20; Proverbs 3:33). When the person does not deserve the curse—because God does not instigate it never "lands" on the intended target. A vivid example of this proverb is seen in the example of Balak and Balaam. Numbers chapters 22 through 24 relate how Balak, King of Moab, asked Balaam to curse Israel. However, Balaam replied, "How can I curse whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce whom the LORD has not denounced?" (Numbers 23:8). Even when Balak was enraged, Balaam replied, "Must I not take care to speak what the LORD puts in my mouth?" (Numbers 23:12).
Summary:
Discover how biblical teachings reveal that curses without divine authority cannot land or cause harm. Learn from Proverbs, Numbers, and other scriptures that God's sovereignty over curses and blessings offers believers reassurance and confidence in His protection and favor.
