Cursing that dwells within a person eventually shapes their character and defines their relationship with God and others.
The psalmist laments the destructive force of an enemy’s callous words by saying, “But he clothed himself with cursing as with his garment, And it entered into his body like water And like oil into his bones” (v.18). This imagery likens cursing to an ever-present cloak that the adversary wears for all to see, a garment representing the perpetual use of hateful speech. Through this vivid metaphor, we see how toxic words can penetrate one’s inner being “like water,” saturating a person’s thoughts, and permeating their life until it becomes a defining pattern.
“It entered into his body like water And like oil into his bones” (v.18) also reveals that sinful speech tends to cling persistently, much like oil saturated into a structure. Instead of letting blessings flow through gracious words, the speaker’s enemy has chosen cursing as his main expression, woven into the very fabric of his day-to-day presence (Galatians 3:13 underscores that Jesus took upon Himself the curse intended for us). This tragic choice leads to spiritual and emotional consequences, illustrating that harmful words are never without effect on both the speaker and the listener.
When believers compare this verse to Jesus’ command to bless those who curse us (Matthew 5:44), they witness a stark contrast: cursing distorts and damages, whereas blessing brings healing and renewal. The psalmist’s reflection stands as a sober warning against allowing hostility to become a lifestyle permeating every fiber of our being and a powerful reminder of the ultimate wisdom in choosing words that impart grace.
Set to dark mode
Psalms 109:18 meaning
The psalmist laments the destructive force of an enemy’s callous words by saying, “But he clothed himself with cursing as with his garment, And it entered into his body like water And like oil into his bones” (v.18). This imagery likens cursing to an ever-present cloak that the adversary wears for all to see, a garment representing the perpetual use of hateful speech. Through this vivid metaphor, we see how toxic words can penetrate one’s inner being “like water,” saturating a person’s thoughts, and permeating their life until it becomes a defining pattern.
“It entered into his body like water And like oil into his bones” (v.18) also reveals that sinful speech tends to cling persistently, much like oil saturated into a structure. Instead of letting blessings flow through gracious words, the speaker’s enemy has chosen cursing as his main expression, woven into the very fabric of his day-to-day presence (Galatians 3:13 underscores that Jesus took upon Himself the curse intended for us). This tragic choice leads to spiritual and emotional consequences, illustrating that harmful words are never without effect on both the speaker and the listener.
When believers compare this verse to Jesus’ command to bless those who curse us (Matthew 5:44), they witness a stark contrast: cursing distorts and damages, whereas blessing brings healing and renewal. The psalmist’s reflection stands as a sober warning against allowing hostility to become a lifestyle permeating every fiber of our being and a powerful reminder of the ultimate wisdom in choosing words that impart grace.