What Does the Bible Say About Cursing or Wishing Harm on Others?
What Does the Bible Say About Cursing or Wishing Harm on Others? Jesus commanded believers to bless those who curse them and pray for their persecutors — replacing cursing with blessing.
Key verse: Matthew 5:44 (KJV)
Jesus commanded believers to bless those who curse them and pray for their persecutors — replacing cursing with blessing.
Jesus commanded believers to bless those who curse them and pray for their persecutors — replacing cursing with blessing.
"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." — Matthew 5:44 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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The Biblical Answer
The Bible contains imprecatory psalms where David called for God's judgment on enemies (Psalm 109, 137), reflecting the Old Testament's emphasis on divine justice. However, Jesus dramatically shifted the ethic: 'Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you' (Matthew 5:44). Romans 12:14 reinforces: 'Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.' James 3:9-10 warns against using the tongue to both bless God and curse people made in His image. The New Testament consistently teaches that vengeance belongs to God (Romans 12:19), and believers should respond to evil with good. This doesn't mean tolerating injustice — but the response should be prayer, blessing, and trust in God's ultimate justice.
Key Scripture References
"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you."
"Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not."
"Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
What Does the Bible Say About Anger?
The Bible distinguishes between righteous anger and sinful anger, teaching believers to be 'slow to wrath' and to resolve anger quickly.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
What Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible doesn't condemn money itself but warns against the love of money and teaches generosity, contentment, and wise stewardship.
What Is Tithing?
Tithing is the practice of giving a tenth (10%) of one's income to God, rooted in Old Testament law and reflected in New Testament generosity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Cursing or Wishing Harm on Others?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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