Psalms 109:17

Amharic New Standard Translation (አማርኛ አዲሱ መደበኛ ትርጉም) 2005

መራገም ይወድ ስለ ነበር፥ እርሱም የተረገመ ይሁን፤ መመረቅን ይጠላ ስለ ነበር፥ እርሱንም የሚመርቅ ሰው አይኑር።

What Does This Mean?

This verse talks about someone who loves to curse others and does not care about blessings. It suggests that such a person should receive what they give out. The speaker wishes that curses come to this person because they delighted in cursing others, and blessings stay away because they did not care for them.

Explained for Children

Imagine someone who always says mean things to others and never says nice things. This verse is like saying, 'If you're always mean, then meanness will come back to you. And if you don't like being nice, then nice things won't come your way.'

Historical Background

This verse is from the Book of Psalms, written by David around 1000 B.C. It was likely composed during a time of political turmoil, addressing enemies who sought to harm the psalmist. The context reflects the struggles and prayers of a king facing opposition.

Living It Out Today

In today's world, this verse can apply to someone who constantly spreads negative comments online. Just as they delight in putting others down, they might find that negativity comes back to them, and they miss out on the positive interactions they could have had.

Topics

• vengeance
• blessings
• cursing
• retribution
• prayer
• enemies

Related Verses

• Proverbs 26:24-28
• Romans 12:17-21
• Psalms 35:1-8
• Proverbs 26:21-22
• James 3:1-12

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this verse encourage revenge?

While the verse speaks of retribution, it is important to understand it within the context of seeking justice rather than personal revenge. The overall message in the Bible encourages forgiveness and turning the other cheek.

Who is the psalmist speaking about in this verse?

The psalmist is speaking about an enemy who delights in cursing and does not care about blessings, reflecting on the consequences such a person might face.

How can one avoid the fate described in this verse?

Avoiding the fate described involves choosing to bless others instead of cursing. This aligns with biblical teachings on love and forgiveness, which can lead to blessings rather than curses.

What does this verse teach about the nature of blessings and curses?

The verse suggests that blessings and curses are reciprocal. If one chooses to bless others, they are more likely to receive blessings, and vice versa for curses.