When a country has a good number of natural resources, yet underperforms economically, it experiences the resource curse. The reason is to be over-dependent on that resource and fail to develop in other areas. In such countries, the rich would be super rich, and the majority of the population would be poor. For example, some countries have Petroleum, and some have diamonds. A study shows that three problems could happen. First, there could be authoritarian regimes. Second, is corruption. Third, conflicts, riots, and civil war.
Fall and curse: When Adam and Eve sinned, they were expelled from the Garden of Eden. Sin brought the curse on humans and the earth. The work that was a joy before the Fall would be toil, sweat, pain, and tiredness. The earth will not give full yield thorns and thistles would grow faster. (Genesis 3:17) Adam and Eve lost their paradise, with so many fruits as food, but were not deprived of livelihood. God in His mercy has provided natural resources for various nations and regions so that they could use them and exchange them with other nations to have a prosperous life. Yet, the sin and greed of leaders and elite of the nations push them to destitution and poverty.
Birth and curse: Job endures immense suffering and pain cursed the day of his birth. (Job 3:1) Satan expected Job to curse God, but Job did not. In a few ancient cultures, the birth was a mourning day as man is born to trouble. (Job 5:7)
Blessings and no curse: However, God has blessed His people, and none could curse them. (Numbers 23:1) Blessed are those whose sins are forgiven. (Psalms 32:1) Blessed are poor, who mourn, meek, merciful, pure in heart, hunger for righteousness, peacemakers, and persecuted. (Matthew 5:3-11) Blessed is the nation, whose God is the Lord. (Psalms 33:12) God-centered family is blessed and are content with God-given gifts and blessings. Righteousness exalts a nation as there would be overall development, peace, trust, honesty, love, and unity, hence no resource curse. (Proverbs 14:34)
Do I praise God for all His abundant blessings?