Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow, So a curse without cause shall not alight.

-Proverbs 26:2, KJV

May all who gloat over my distress
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who exalt themselves over me
be clothed with shame and disgrace.

-Psalm 35:26, NIV

My former father-in-law acted in very entitled ways at the end of my marriage to his daughter.

One of those ways was to curse me professionally. I will never forget the “man up” speech he gave me as he drove me to my job as a coffee barista. It was a nasty little speech.

“I talked with [MIL], and we agree your [Yale Masters] degree is worthless. Your best hope is to work your way up in a company [from a menial, non-degree requiring position].”

Something to that effect was delivered.

It was a curse. Yet it did not alight as the Proverbs 26:4 states.

Looking back, I can see how my life experiences (including that one) have prepared me for my current position. Plus, I would not have the excellent, government job I have today without my Masters degree. It was and is far from worthless!

I want to encourage you with the truth from Proverbs 26:4. You may have experienced your own version of the “man up” or “woman up” speech from hostile sources.