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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 301

STUDY 301

Text: Proverbs 26
1 April 2007

Dear Parents,

UNDERSTANDING DIFFICULT TEXTS
Proverbs contain deep truths. Some of these truths can prove quite challenging to comprehend. How do we understand the following text?

Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow,
So a curse without cause shall not alight.

Proverbs 26:2

MENTIONS OF CURSES IN THE SCRIPTURES
The most important thing to do is to figure out the meaning of “a curse”. One of the ways we can fathom the meaning of the word “curse” is to look at the following mentions of cursing:-

1. The cursing of Ham by Noah (Genesis 9:18-28).

2. The cursing of Jericho by Joshua (Joshua 6:26).

UNDERSTANDING THE IDEA OF “CURSES”
The following things may be said about “curses”.

1. It is a pronouncement of a solemn word of judgment.

a) Noah pronounced a solemn word of judgment against Ham for having shamed his own father.

b) The statement of his “curse” was spoken against Canaan (Ham’s son).

2. It may be so severe that it would actually affect subsequent generations.

3. There are usually significant reasons behind the pronouncement of curses.

NO FEAR OF CURSES THAT ARE SPOKEN “WITHOUT CAUSE”
It would appear that verbal curses have “power”. Some may even end up fearing curses unnecessarily. The case of Balaam comes to mind. He was hired to curse Israel on behalf of Balak (Numbers 22). Balak, king of Moab knew Balaam by his reputation.

I know that he whom you bless is blessed;
And he whom you cursed is cursed.

Numbers 22:6

Balaam discovered that he was powerless when he tried to bring a curse upon Israel! He found the truth of this statement. “A curse without cause shall not alight.” There is nothing to fear from curses at all.

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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