The curse of words includes words spoken by others (or even by yourself) that are intended to inflict harm or damage, to belittle you, or to wish you evil.
Consider the example of David, cursed and belittled by Shimei, in 2 Samuel 16. Shimei falsely accused David, attributing David’s circumstances and the loss of his kingdom to God’s judgment for alleged past sins against the house of Saul. Shimei’s words hurt!
What are the words that have been spoken to you that have wounded or “cursed” you, undeservedly? “You’re so clumsy . . . You’ll never amount to anything . . . You’ll never change . . . You’re going to be just like your mother . . .You’ll never find anyone to love you . . . I wish you were dead . . . I wish you’d never been born . . . You always . . . You never . . .” etc.
Being a child of God doesn’t make you immune to others’ cursing. The key is how you respond to these wounds. There are two possible responses:
1. Abishai, David’s bodyguard and nephew, wanted to attack—to give a curse back (v. 9).
2. David, rather than defending himself or reacting violently, restrained himself. He recognized the sovereignty of God, responded humbly, and received Shimei’s curse as from the Lord (vv. 10-12).
How will you respond?
