The book of Proverbs is a guide for pursuing godly wisdom in our daily lives. In this four-week study, we will read a selection of topical proverbs covering different aspects of wisdom, from how to interact with our friends, families, and neighbors, to fearing God and keeping His commands. No matter the subject, these proverbs urge us to wrestle with and reflect on our own response to them. To help you better engage with the proverbs in this reading plan, we have provided you with a short introduction and reflection questions for each day.
In this life, we experience blessings and curses—consequences of choices we make or the choices others make that affect us. The preserving grace of God assures us that He is not temperamental or spiteful, but does discipline His children. His discipline is for our flourishing because how we live and what we do here and now matters.
Reflection Questions:
To what extent do you recognize God’s blessings in your life? What are some ways God has blessed you?
To what extent do you recognize God’s opposition in your life? Are there any areas of your life you feel God has thwarted or opposed?
What do you think God is responding to when He blesses? What do you think God is opposing when He curses?
Leave a Reply
81 thoughts on "Blessings and Curses"
He holds His children in high view.
I haven’t felt God much, but I know my waiting is almost over ❤️
I realize that my blessings come from the things where I fear God more than man. My curses have come from times when I let my fear of man ( what others think) rule over me.
I have so many blessings in my Life, I’m so aware of that. Every little thing I have is a blessing from God, but I guess I tend to forget that because I’m so blessed I forget that even just sitting here with my coffee and reading his word is a blessing. I need to be more grateful and not forget his goodness. When I’m going through a hard time, currently facing some troubles with my family, he uses those moments and turns those tears into joy and always has purpose for a hard season!
Life, I’m so aware of that. Every little thing I have is a blessing from God, but I guess I tend to forget that because I’m so blessed I forget that even just sitting here with my coffee and reading his word is a blessing. I need to be more grateful and not forget his goodness. When I’m going through a ha
I have so many blessings in my
God has blessed me in so many ways, mostly giving me the most amazing children, but I do see his disciplines, and I want to do better for Him, so I can see the blessings behind me disciplines.
God has blessed me so much. I see how he has continued to provide for me over and over again. Even when I see curses, or pain, God has used those situations and made them blessings.
realized in this time where I’m trying to go everywhere for help he wants me to just trust in him and trust in him enough to be my only resource. He wants to help. And Ive never had more faith then I do right now in every area of my life. My God is higher then any other. To use our struggles and pain he can’t stop from happening, but to use them to build us up even stronger that hits deep. We don’t have to be broken, God calls us to be stronger.
I’m going through a financial struggle right now but I’ve always been financially stable so getting closer to God I
I pray that I practice gratitude on a daily basis and know that the lord wants what is best for me and whether through hard times and good times that he is there and that he is indeed working for my good
He has blessed me with so many things. A great family, friends, a roof over my head, a job, a lot of things. More than I deserve. I feel like my anxieties and worries get the best of me and He opposes that. I could simply dwell in His word and trust in him, but sometimes that seems impossible. I am trying to trust his plan for my life, and focus on leading a life that glorifies Him in every way.
When I consider where God might have thwarted or opposed me I think of it in terms of being spared evil or spared my own desires gone sinful!
This is exactly how I feel, but couldn’t find the words
So many blessings ❤️❤️
God saved my marriage. Gave me 3 beautiful babies after a miscarriage. Got us plugged into church and a small group when our lives were falling apart.
I don’t necessarily feel his opposition at this moment. I can feel like he’s distant when I’m going through the turmoil of motherhood and trying to be everything to everyone, but I know that is a ME problem not a HIM problem. When I draw near to him, I know he never left, but also he lets me learn my lesson when I try to do things on my own..
I think loves to bless his children; I just think we get stuck on what we think those “blessings” should look like; and if they don’t look like what we wanted, we automatically assume God is opposing us at every turn.
Amen!!
Ques 3 — I think God is letting the natural boundaries he’s placed in his universe (eg Cloud and Townsend), as well as expressing his inherent nature that causes good, not evil, flourish, when he curses
Seth comes to those who are wicked and do not fear God or the judgement to come. We are all wicked but those who put their hope in the sacrifice of Jesus and his shed blood for our sin will be seen blessed and forgiven. Eternal separation from God is the curse.
God doesn’t cures. That’s simply ancient near eastern thought.
We can’t start thinking that God’s blessings and curses are like our cultural modern concept of karma. Instead, it’s more like righteous justice in a very broken world. It’s not like he gives cancer to sinners and earthly property to the faithful. Because He is all good and all knowing, we can trust that all His consequences and blessings are good and just (not vindictive, vengeful, or random). He is the almighty and loving judge, His ways/thoughts are much higher than our own. I’m thankful for the consequences of my sin as it has grown my wisdom and love and affection for the Lord as much as Hos blessings have.
God blesses because it is in his nature but also I see his favour when I am being faithful to what he has called me to do. God curses when wickedness abounds in our hearts and actions.
I thank God for blessing us with a healthy bouncing son and a new property in such difficult times. ❤️
His word says he reigns over the Just and the unjust, because of this I see many that are blessed even in the middle of disobedience. I guess it matters what we see as blessings vs what God counts as blessing they may be very different for this reason it’s important we seek his will and his ways in our life. What we may think is a blessing in one season if life very well may not be in another.When it comes to cursing I see this as a result of sin and disobedience. Even still the curse may be their to get my attention and another opportunity for God to extend his grace and point us back to him
Lately I haven’t noticed god’s opposition that much, I have taken note of his blessings in my life though. The lord has blessed us with a beautiful property where just this morning we were able to show our children two deer grazing in our back yard. I have a wonderful husband who would do anything for me. We have two beautiful children who are full of energy and life and curiosity. We both have jobs and income and our health during this challenging time. He has truly blessed me in every way and I oftentimes don’t feel worthy of his blessings
My curses are currently great. Including one thing after the next popping up as obstacles as we try to make decisions on where to move and how (currently living at my mil house) – it makes me think we are being too proud. We think we can decide what the best thing is for us without turning to HIM and listening to what path He wants for us. My two small girls are suffering as we bicker and fight and lose focus on his blessings. He has blessed me greatly with two healthy children. They are bright and loving and have truly hearts make of gold. I don’t deserve such blessings!
Very well said!
What a beautiful insight to the ways of my God. Thank you
Beautiful!
Thank you so much this helped me reflect a lot
These reflection questions were awesome! The first one really helped me see how much God has blessed me. Everything around us God has given to us, and sometimes it just seems like everyday life for us. But it’s all blessings from God! Thank you Lord for blessing me so big!
Lord i thank you for covering us!
Galatians 3:10-13 Christ has become our curse! He has redeemed us from the curse of the law.
Gods blessings are meant to protect us and guide us on the path of righteousness and give us hope (Bible dictionary definition).
While it may feel like opposition, God will oppose our SIN, but it’s discipline and discipleship that draws us closer to God and is a blessing!
Amen!
Thank you. That means so much
I really enjoyed the questions and the follow scriptures after the readings. Love this interactive study!
This was very helpful to me this morning. Thank you Lorrie❤️
This may feel weird but, I am finding my dads passing just prior to the pandemic a blessing. I was able to mourn with loved ones. I was able to travel back home to buried him next to my grandparents. I am in awe of God’s mercy and mercy during this time. Blessings to you sisters. ❤️❤️
I like how you worded this. So good!
This was so clear & what I was trying to say…but you said it much better!
I love the response questions, but I also really enjoyed the “blog” post follow up to the scriptures. Both are wonderful & help me with insight. God has definitely, poured blessings on me throughout my life. Always provided for me-Victory by Yolanda Adams gets me every time. One way he “curses” although I would see it more as consequences for not listening to Him can be a “no” to a prayer or even letting me do what I “want” and seeing how wrong I was and I come back to Him.
I just gotta say I’m loving this study, especially all the reflection questions! So many ‘woah’ moments already. More like this please! ❤️
I just gotta say I’m loving this study and the reflection questions. I’ve had so many mind blown’
This reading I found very helpful pointing out wisdom for my daily life. This is a good study. The questions are thought provoking.
By the resurrection of Jesus, I believe we are free from the curse, BUT we are not free from consequence. I can see the innumerable boundless, extravagant, lavish blessings and mercies God had poured out over my life
App glitch posted before I finished. (We could reeeeally use an “edit” option for our posts.)
While I see all the blessings God has poured out over me in my lifetime, I also see the places where he has not cursed me, but allowed me to sit with the consequences of choices I’ve made that opposed his instruction and defied His words. I am thankful for the lessons as much as the blessings.
Thank you Kenzie
I totally can’t agree less to your side of opposition, mine is exactly the same. While I keep wondering how this can be turned around, I’m now learning to live by it while finding my joy in Him alone rather than waiting for what I longed to have to be joyous. Thank you for sharing.
This was a hard one you guys…
Day.5. To what extent do you recognize God’s blessings in your life? What are some ways God has blessed you?
`I think God blessed me by putting me in my mother lap, and blessed us both by not having to worry over food or Money (till a certain point). I’m not healthy nor always happy (you could use the word depressed). But without my mother i wouldn’t be able to come and go as far as with her, I always count that as one of my biggest blessings. And when I’m good I can see blessings and little joy moments everywhere, like in the sun or the rain, in the small steps that I or someone else takes, in His creations or in the creativity He gave me. Only when I’m down I’m down and then I find it hard to feel His blessings, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there or / and that, that is not a blessing in disguise.
To what extent do you recognize God’s opposition in your life? Are there any areas of your life you feel God has thwarted or opposed?
`No not really, I sometimes wish God was clearer to me about what I should cut out of my life. But as I think / say this i also feel like it is something that I still have to grow and learn in. And that it is something that will become clearer as I learn and study the bible and His words.
What do you think God is responding to when He blesses? What do you think God is opposing when He curses?
`I find it still hard to understand, I vind curse a hard word and find it hard to believe that the God of love still in this time and age would curse a household. But then He is capable of everything, and that if He would, he would have the best reason. But I also think a “curse” can be seen as a correction a ‘he don’t do that, that will bring you no were but further from me’
What do you think God is responding to when He blesses? Obedience.
Belief and
Love
Excels and is
Sweetly
Solid
(1 John 3:21-23: Belief and Love);
What do you think God opposes when He curses? Disobedience.
Communion
Undone by the
Repetitive
Sin of the
Enslaved
(Psalm 66:18: Cherishing sin).
I have given this format a week and I miss the devotion/commentary format. I will “see” you all with the next study. Blessings to all…
In my finances and health and doors that were closed he’s open.
When I was out of his will be slowed me down with my son
My obedience
Disobedience
God’s blessing comes in various forms, various packaging and sizes. Over the years of walking with the Lord I have prayed and prayed Lord please open my eyes so I can see your blessings hidden under many layers including suffering and tears, and upon hind sight, truly a struggle (or what seems like total defeat) shows itself as a glorious blessing (be still and know I am God, I will uphold you and vengeance is mine). So sometimes when I allow myself to be vulnerable for righteousness’ sake, God appears quietly and suddenly and mightily. I once heard a great man of God saying, the evidence of the blessings of the Lord is when people consider you smitten and cursed (not just “not doing well”, but “cursed”). I wonder how that is, as it seems so contradicting. Look at Jesus, He comes to bear our burdens, and Bible says, Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. So when people consider us stricken, afflicted, it shows the evidence of our blessing as the deliverer to those around us (if your family members who don’t know God look down on you, wonder why you are so faithful and walk with integrity and take the pain on yourself and not retaliate, it shows the you are the blessed one, you are the one who carry the cross for that family, regardless what it looks like as a curse on the outside). Just like Jesus comes on earth and was despised greatly by those He comes to deliver, we too (his Image bearer) will at some point be despised and considered cursed when we carry our cross. Yet, carrying the cross with Him is the greatest blessing, regardless what it might look like to the outsiders. Bless you sisters.
Boy, this is a tough subject! Here are some thoughts:
As humans, we usually default to thinking of blessings as material things, and curses as the lack of material things. While this is sometimes true, and we all are so grateful for His provision when it comes, I do think this misses the mark, to a large degree. Consider this verse:
“ For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:45 ESV
In my experience, God has spoken loudly and blessed me greatly during my times of greatest need, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Some examples –
– When we were dead broke and we came home to find a Christmas tree on our porch, or groceries in the kitchen, left by friends who answered God’s call to be His hands of provision.
– When an adult child turned his back on his faith, there in that dark, hurting, broken place, He met me. In time, I learned to find my joy in Christ alone, and it was a deeper joy and intimacy with Him than I’d known before. My heart still aches and prays for my son, but he is not the source of my joy anymore – Christ is, and I can trust Him.
I believe those times were times of tremendous blessing – but they were also times of greatest brokenness. So perhaps my answer would be that He opposes/curses those people or things that turn us away from Him, as a way to help us not be comfortable without Him. What a loving God to allow discomfort so as to draw us to Himself! Even if the discomfort isn’t taken away, if it draws us closer to Him, then the discomfort is a blessing if it keeps us abiding in Him. But if we harden our hearts to Him, then the curse (whether in times of material plenty or need) is the lack of relationship with Him. No matter my circumstances, if the Lord isn’t present in them, then that is a curse.
Wow, was that long-winded, or what?! I hope this was helpful, and not just plain confusing.
I pray that I would be more aware of God’s blessings in my life. Knowing that every good and perfect gift comes from him:)
(1) I recognize God’s blessings in my life mostly through the material world and his protection. I also recognize the salvation he has blessed me with through his son Christ Jesus. He provides shelter, food, water, his word, and tools to help me understand his word. He also has provided me with good health.
(2) I recognize God’s opposition in my life through loneliness. I don’t have many friends and my family is distant.
I feel like God has opposed my relationships.
(3) When God blesses me I think he is responding to my needs and faithfulness to him. When he curses me he is opposing my desires.
God has blessed me with many things in life. For one being able to wake up in the morning and to take care of myself, my kids & animals. He has blessed me with being able to buy a house last year. He has blessed me that when my time ends I will have a place with God in heaven. I am listening to his words and his guidance and I am hoping I am on the right path which is his path.
His “curses” are just a way to let us know when are going down the wrong path and we need to ask him for guidance.
He is a powerful but merciful God.
I am currently in a study on Matthew and we just looked at Chapters 8 & 9 where Matthew describes all of the types of healing Jesus did, some by touch, some by word. I got thinking about healing over the years that has been
We are set free from the curse! But as his children we do come under his discipline, to conform us to the image of his son.
I’m already at work but have a quiet moment here while the only 3 students I have today (teachers kids) are busy with their distant learning. I had my quiet time before leaving for work but didn’t comment. I recognize God’s blessings in EVERYTHING! I don’t journal often but I have during this study. I didn’t bring my journal to work but I wrote down this: (as some of you know on June 18 I was in a car accident). My son and I are OK. My son grabbed my hand and we prayed thanking God that we were fine. But my car was totaled. As a single mom, I don’t have very much but I have what I need. I had some money saved up. So with that money, and with the help of my brothers, sisters, my mom and even my oldest nephew I was able to put down a good down payment to a 2016 CRV. The very car that I’ve been wanting even the color. God is so good as I even got an unexpected raise when we were told we were not going to get one this year. Using Larry Burkette’s budget system I’m able to make and afford my payments without any stress.
Love that Sara M.!! I definitely listed physical things first, but the spiritual is the things that LAST! And the greatest blessing of all is Jesus. He is enough.
Prayers appreciated friends…been thinking about the future after graduation from college…it’s just so intimidating sometimes. I have friends that know more distinctly of what they want, and I have to keep myself in check from being jealous. It’s all a struggle for everyone, no matter what. But I have also seen how the Lord is working in my friends lives, from the outside looking in…he works things together. And I just have to trust that. But man, trusting is SO HARD. I also do need to be actively looking for jobs and applying, but there does come a point where I have to let go and trust. I wish I knew definitively what I want to do…and it is such a common question for people to ask. But, just have to take it one day at a time…the Lord sees it all. He sees something I don’t, and he’s working it all together for good. Praying that I will serve him wherever he places me.
It is hard to not think of physical blessings because I feel I am trying to be more aware of that stuff daily. But our treasures are truly in Heaven. Every blessing we may have on Earth will pass away — money, health, loved ones. Spiritual blessings I feel I have are obviously my salvation. I’m so grateful for knowing Jesus and having my life transformed by Him. I currently feel His peace and joy. My 2 year old is reminding me of the childlike wonder we are to have. And the love of the Father. So grateful for those blessings. I don’t feel like the Lord is currently opposing anything in my life. I was a bit confused by that question I guess. I hesitate to say God blesses our obedience because that could mean he blesses what we “do” which can be legalistic. But that’s what first comes to mind. He opposes what isn’t good for us. What doesn’t align with Him, His Word or His will for us.
Thank you for sharing this Sarah! Definitely a powerful conviction that we should all be mindful of!
Thank your for this. Praying for your uncle now.
Man, I never think of God’s “curses” or opposition to things in my life. Perhaps it’s my way of not facing my sin in the eye.
I remember reflecting on struggles and hardships. However, I think some struggles aren’t curses but are trials which are meant to test and refine us. The first curse after The Fall in Genesis brought hardship in work, however labouring well and with integrity is delightful to God.
I think right now it’s difficult for me to see what is a trial and what is a curse. I don’t know if it matters. Either way, I shall turn towards God in prayer, asking for wisdom and strength to go through my day with its trials according to his will, and for compassion to relent on some struggles I do not feel equipped to bear.
Thank you Sarah M for sharing. That is a new perspective on blessings. I needed to hear that.
Sara M. YES & Amen!!! Say it louder for the people in the back!!
We are not here to count our earthly blessings – “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matt 6:19-21.
Truly our treasure is in Heaven. Our blessing is salvation. Or prize is God himself. Emmanuel.
Flourishing in all the blessings in my life … little by little… takes practice and presence. While I like to think and start my everyday “knowing” these truths are a part of me, in reality it takes practice and reflection. And so much GRACE with myself. There is no 3 step plan to recognizing and staying in your blessings. For me it takes presence, grace and nurturing every day and sometimes minute to minute on the days that need it. This work is hard and I know I flounder, but I also know when I pull myself back into the present moment, I am so much more awake and open to seeing the blessings he is showing me. Flourishing to me is knowing I am supported….becoming. Absorbing these words are soothing my soul.
Blessings and curses are His parental guidance for me. They are not always loud and clear, but the blessings and curses are like the lane lines continually encouraging and directing me back to God.
Paula, this week I find myself searching for your responses because they have touched me every time. Thank you for your Godly wisdom! The thought that “God blesses kinda like he breathes because it’s His nature”…LOVE that.
I think his blessings come for a multiple of reasons. Either, 1, to confirm we are walking in his will, or 2, to show his love for us. We know that he blesses his children because of his deep love for them. In contrast, when he “curses” it can be a sign that we are not walking in his will for us.
Thank you, Paula! I struggled with the 2nd and 3rd questions this AM, and your words helped to clarify and give me some perspective. ❤️
Sara, thank you for sharing this morning.
Love your comments!
And prayers for your husband’s uncle.
Wow, I so needed to hear that Sarah M. Thank you for that beautiful reminder. Praying for your husbands uncle!
❤️
Wow! Beautiful, convicting words. Thank you for sharing. ❤️ Much love to your uncle.
(1) Recognize God’s blessing: I recognize and feel intense gratitude for God’s hand in my life. I am so fortunate that He has been generous with to have eyes to see how the threads of my life a being woven together into a life glorifying to Him. That is probably my favorite blessing! Among the list of highlights are a profession which is my calling growing from my personality and childhood coping mechanisms, my closest friend birthing from my decision to stay at a graduate program underneath an abusive boss, my daughter the unexpected result of a toxic marriage, my husband found in the middle of nowhere on an exact time table… I trust God so much. It will all work out – even the things I thought were terrible.
(2) Recognize God’s opposition: This is a FASCINATING question for me. I don’t know that I have ever perceived God’s opposition. That doesn’t mean believe I’ve never incurred it.
I know, for example, that my pride has been and remains a problem. And I know God opposes the proud. But my experience of God is that He is incredibly patient with me, that He typically gently touches my shoulder and reminds me. Or! My favorite! He talks like the book of Job revealing His breadth and majesty and I am humbled by the shear comparison between us. (3) What is God responding to in blessing? What is God responding to when cursing? I think God blessed kinda like He breathes, it’s his nature. So ANYTHING GOOD he seeks to bless. Anything that is NOT a road to destruction. On the other hand, I think God curses wickedness, paths that lead to chaos and destruction.
When I started listing out my blessings (health, wealth, community, opportunity, etc) I realized that I have more blessings than I deserve, that people more righteous than me have less, and people more “wicked” than me have more. Therefore I can’t think that these physical blessings are what these proverbs are talking about. Those who I see as more righteous have different sorts of blessings- joy, peace, contentment, love. These spiritual blessings are more powerful and lasting than our physical “blessings” and seem more true to God’s nature. Therefore, if righteousness and wickedness are states of the heart rather than outward behavior, I think blessings and curses are the same. I struggle with legalism when I’m not careful so I have to be careful not to allow myself to think that my “good behavior” is what results in God’s blessings. Over and over again life proves that is not true. My husband’s very righteous uncle is fighting for his life against COVID and seems to be losing. But his blessing is not his health but a peace knowing he will likely be with Jesus soon.
Thank you for this convicting rephrase of the questions, Sara! This was really thought-provoking.
Im thinking about the last question. I’ve heard this said that anything God allows is necessary. We may not understand at the time. I do know that He is Holy, Sovereign, and Righteous. God is unchanging and knows best.
God is a lover of His children. He blesses me out of that great love. He curses that which draws me away from Him and has the potential to become an idol in my life. His discipline is a great kindness.
I believe obedience is equal to Trusting in Him and disobedience is trusting in ourselves. Only one of those would bring blessing.