Proverbs 26:2
As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.
Original Language Analysis
לָ֭נוּד
by wandering
H5110
לָ֭נוּד
by wandering
Strong's:
H5110
Word #:
2 of 9
to nod, i.e., waver; figuratively, to wander, flee, disappear; also (from shaking the head in sympathy), to console, deplore, or (from tossing the hea
לָע֑וּף
by flying
H5774
לָע֑וּף
by flying
Strong's:
H5774
Word #:
4 of 9
to fly; also (by implication of dimness) to faint (from the darkness of swooning)
כֵּ֥ן
H3651
כֵּ֥ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
Cross References
Numbers 23:8How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied?Psalms 109:28Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.Nehemiah 13:2Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing.2 Samuel 16:12It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.1 Samuel 17:43And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.Proverbs 27:8As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern culture took curses seriously, believing words had power. This proverb counters magical thinking, insisting that undeserved curses have no effect because God governs reality, not mere human words.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when falsely accused or cursed?
- Does this verse give you confidence that God protects the innocent from baseless attacks?
- What is the relationship between God's sovereignty and the powerlessness of undeserved curses?
Analysis & Commentary
An undeserved curse 'shall not come'—like a wandering bird or flying swallow, it won't land on its target. The Hebrew 'qalal' (curse) and 'lo tabo' (shall not come/will not arrive) teach that mere words cannot harm the innocent. This encourages the righteous not to fear baseless accusations or curses. Reformed theology affirms God's sovereignty over all words. Numbers 23:8 asks, 'How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed?' If God protects, human curses are powerless. This truth should give courage to the falsely accused.