The Curse that Can’t Shoot Straight

(Proverbs 26:2 KJV)  As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

The NASB is trying to be contemporary and creative.  It talks about a “sparrow” (6833) “flitting” (5110).  The simple Hebrew talks about a “bird” “wandering.”  So does the KJV.  I think the modern translation misses something.  “Bird” is a collective word referring to all.  “Sparrow” is just one type of bird.  So we miss a point by being clever.  Whether the curses are general or specific, they miss us. 

If we live lives of righteousness we avoid many of the curses of our culture.  I have a book I am planning on re-reading called None of These Diseases.  I recently came across a updated version and glancing through.  They have added the HIV virus, among others.  That is a good modern example of a scourge that believers don’t need to worry about. 

So?  We will face persecution.  That is promised.  We will not be cursed.  That is also promised.  Walk in faith and joy.