2 Samuel 16:6-11

New International Version

⁶ He pelted David and all the king’s officials with stones, though all the troops and the special guard were on David’s right and left. ⁷ As he cursed, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you murderer, you scoundrel! ⁸ The Lord has repaid you for all the blood you shed in the household of Saul, in whose place you have reigned.^(A) The Lord has given the kingdom into the hands of your son Absalom. You have come to ruin because you are a murderer!”^(B)

⁹ Then Abishai^(C) son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog^(D) curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head.”^(E)

¹⁰ But the king said, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah?^(F) If he is cursing because the Lord said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why do you do this?’”^(G)

¹¹ David then said to Abishai and all his officials, “My son,^(H) my own flesh and blood, is trying to kill me. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to.^(I)