Proverbs 26:2 - Printer Friendly

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.

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).

Proverbs 26:1–12 is mostly a series of blunt, negative remarks about a "fool;" the word appears in all but one verse. In the book of Proverbs, a "fool" is one who rejects godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). The segment also includes a famous pair of statements which seem contradictory. Since verses 4 and 5 are written side-by-side, the implication is that there are times where one approach or the other is best. Generally, those who ignore God's truth (Proverbs 8:34–36) are dangerous and unreliable.

This chapter includes three main sections. The first repeatedly refers to a "fool," meaning someone lacking godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). The second warns against being lazy. The third condemns careless conflict, lying, and warns about those who disguise their hate with words. Several statements in this passage repeat or echo others made in the book of Proverbs.

Chapter 25 introduced another section of Solomon's proverbs (Proverbs 25:1). These were collected by later scribes; the list runs through the end of chapter 29. This chapter covers topics such as foolishness, laziness, and conflict. This echoes principles given in other proverbs.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.