Psalms 109:28
Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.
Psalms 109:28
“They may curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.” This line embodies a posture of grace under pressure. The psalmist asks that God’s blessing be the outcome for the afflicted while condemning those who oppose the righteous. The cultural setting features a public sphere where enemies might speak ill, yet the psalmist trusts that divine vindication—not human vindication—will prevail. The contrast between cursing and blessing emphasizes the moral logic of the psalms: God’s blessing remains a counter-narrative to the world’s hostility. When adversaries rise, the righteous can still rejoice in God’s faithfulness because ultimate justice belongs to God.
The verse underlines a fundamental Biblical principle: blessing comes from God; human schemes, curses, or reputational damage do not determine one’s real standing before the Lord. It also highlights trust in divine timing—God’s justice may not align with human calendars, but it will align with His righteousness. The request that the enemy be ashamed while the servant rejoices captures the upside-down nature of God’s kingdom, where the powerless may be upheld and the oppressor exposed.
Practical application: respond with grace when insulted; instead of returning curses, offer blessings, perhaps through prayer for the offender or a kind gesture. This can diffuse cycles of retaliation and model Jesus’ teaching to love enemies. If you genuinely face public hostility, focus on rejoicing in God’s presence rather than seeking social vindication. This may involve choosing to celebrate small mercies, maintaining integrity in speech, and continuing to serve others with joy. For families or workplaces dealing with conflict, establish routines that reframe retaliation into blessing—bless the other person’s good in small ways, or write a note of encouragement rather than a sharp retort. The point is not naivety but principled faith that trust in God preserves the heart and communicates a distinctive witness.
Cross-References: Romans 12:14; Matthew 5:44; James 3:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; Galatians 6:7