Water Off a Duck’s Back

For Women by Women

By Missy Clark

August 7, 2026

Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

Have you ever watched a duck swimming in the water? They effortlessly glide right across the top without hardly making a ripple. They love the water, and even the duckling aren’t afraid to get wet.  Years ago, our family kept ducks on our small farm, and one of their favorite things was when we would spray them with water. They would catch the water in their mouths, and wag their cute little tail feathers while they flapped their wings to take a bath.

We noticed that when we were done, there was practically no water on their backs. The water just rolled right off the top of them. I later discovered that this happens because of the specialized feathers that God gave them, and also from a special oil-like substance that the duck will spread on its feathers during cleaning.

It reminds me of Psalm 119:165. The ducks are perfectly at peace around the water. They are not “offended” by it. Any unwanted water just rolls off their backs.

What a lesson we could learn from one of God’s marvelous creations! Do we have great peace when the water of offense is thrown our way? Do our “feathers get ruffled” when someone says something we don’t like. Do we soak in the offense and let it make us cold and bitter? Do we hang onto the water until it stagnates and causes a stink?

Or…

Do we let the water roll off, and give the offense over to God?

Proverbs 19:11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

Let us not be those who are offended easily. Let us pass over other’s transgressions toward us. Let offenses be like “water off a duck’s back.”

Reflection—There is “great peace” in letting nothing offend you!