What's up with human-generated curses (and blessings) in the Bible?

[ViaCrucis]

That was an interesting read. But it approaches this issues as more of a "this is what people were thinking" rather than "this is how God works." Still, very helpful. Thanks
KT

Since magic doesn't exist, then when a person blesses or curses, it doesn't do anything, because that isn't how God "works". I can't speak words and create a beneficial or negative effect on you or your life.

The significance of blessing and cursing is what it says about ourselves. See St. James' epistle when he talks about the tongue as a wild untamed beast. The tongue blesses and curses, with it we praise God and with it we speak ill of our fellow human beings made in God's image--this is a horrible thing.

God desires that we use our words to build others up, to use our words to be loving, kind, compassionate--in imitation of Christ and His character. Not to tear down and harm--not because words are magic, but because words can hurt. It doesn't take a psychology degree to know this. With words parents build their children up, or tear them down; with words we create pain in those we should call friends and neighbors and with words we encourage, and build stronger friendships and relationships.

There's nothing supernatural about when we curse or when we bless; but there is practical, real-world evidence that our words can either be an instrument of love or an instrument of hate.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[KevinT]

Since magic doesn't exist, then when a person blesses or curses, it doesn't do anything, because that isn't how God "works". I can't speak words and create a beneficial or negative effect on you or your life.

Are you saying that when Jacob stole the blessing from Isaac, that it was much to do about nothing? That there was no real blessing? I wrote this post trying to consider if God does honor a blessing that a human may issue.

The significance of blessing and cursing is what it says about ourselves. See St. James' epistle when he talks about the tongue as a wild untamed beast. The tongue blesses and curses, with it we praise God and with it we speak ill of our fellow human beings made in God's image--this is a horrible thing.

God desires that we use our words to build others up, to use our words to be loving, kind, compassionate--in imitation of Christ and His character. Not to tear down and harm--not because words are magic, but because words can hurt. It doesn't take a psychology degree to know this. With words parents build their children up, or tear them down; with words we create pain in those we should call friends and neighbors and with words we encourage, and build stronger friendships and relationships.

I agree.

There's nothing supernatural about when we curse or when we bless; but there is practical, real-world evidence that our words can either be an instrument of love or an instrument of hate.

I agree that there is nothing with WE (specifically ME) bless or curse. But do you think God honored blessings (or curses) issues by the patriarchs? Was Noah's curse of his son effective?

Best wishes,

Kevin