CURSES THAT CARRY NO WEIGHT

Proverbs 26.2
CURSES THAT CARRY NO WEIGHT
"Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest. "

IN THE WORLD OF VOODOO BLACK MAGIC, the priest is greatly feared. He invokes the powers of evil spirits, and brings curses upon those who dare cross his path. His evil spells have an efficacy of their own, whether their victims deserve them or not. In that sense, such magic is amoral, and often immoral. It does not matter if you are right or wrong; as long as the correct formulae are used, the curses will work.

Proverbs assures us this is not so. An undeserved curse will not stick. Basically, this proverb tells us two things. Firstly, the rash expletives of a hot-headed person should not be taken seriously. He is mouthing nothing but empty words. An example would be Goliath who he swore and cursed David by his gods. He lost his head, figuratively and literally! Such curses carry no weight, and are as quickly scattered to the wind as they are uttered.

We are none the worse when hollow anathemas are discharged on us. Perhaps the only thing that is hurt is our pride. But why should it be? David was soundly cursed and pelted with stones by Shimei. The king's attitude was most commendable. He suffered no hurt pride. He knew he was innocent of Shimei's accusation, and committed the matter to God (Il Sam 16.5-12). The curses that left Shimei's mouth fluttered around like a bird, and finally returned to rest on his own head (l Kings 2.44-46).

Secondly, this proverb relieves us of any superstitious fear about curses. Pagans fear spells and incantations, for they know of no greater powers than the evil spirits sent to do them harm. But we who believe in the Lord Jesus know that all powers are in His hands. When we acknowledge him as our Lord and Savior, we become His people. His people are "curse-proof". As Balaam found out when he tried to curse God's people: "How can I curse those whom God has not cursed?" (Num 23.8, 11). His curse in fact turned into blessing. When we live under the benediction of our God, we need not fear malediction.

Our duty then is to make sure that any judgment and ill-will heaped upon us is undeserved. If it is, we should seek God's forgiveness, and fear no more. As the psalmist cries to God when his enemies accuse and curse him, "They may curse, but you will bless" (Ps 109.28). His accusers shoot their imprecations like deadly arrows through the air. But behold! they turn into sparrows and swallows and fly away harmlessly into the horizon.

How do I take evil spoken against me?