What Does the Bible Say About Cursing or Wishing Harm on Others — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Matthew 5:44, sits inside Matthew 5. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"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."
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