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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.
NASB Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, So a curse without cause does not come to rest.
CSB Like a flitting sparrow or a fluttering swallow, an undeserved curse goes nowhere.
NLT Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse will not land on its intended victim.
KJV As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.
NKJV Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow, So a curse without cause shall not alight.

What does Proverbs 26:2 mean?

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—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).
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