Is it possible to both bless and curse people under the anointing?

Now Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. So Moab was in great fear because of the people, for they were numerous; and Moab was in dread of the sons of Israel. Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this horde will lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field.” And Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time. So he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor, at Pethor, which is near the Euphrates River, in the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying, “Behold, a people came out of Egypt; behold, they cover the surface of the land, and they are living opposite me. Now, therefore, please come, curse this people for me since they are too mighty for me; perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land. For I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.” Numbers 22:2-6

Even though God ultimately intervenes and makes Balaam deliver blessings on Israel instead of curses, it’s clear that Balaam was a prophet for hire. We may remember that Balaam was on his way to do the bidding of Balak but was restrained by God from passing a certan point by an angel whom Balaam could not see but Balaam’s donkey could see. When Balaam struck his donkey to get him to move the donkey complained in spoken words that he could not pass by the angel. This humorous account suggests that the donkey had more sense and discernment than the prophet. What about many of today’s prophets?

The verses in 2 Peter 2:15 and Jude 1:11 we have warnings to beware of religious leaders who are seeking financial advantages. In other words, certain “prophets” may bless for a price and may also curse for a price. They may have had credibility as a true prophet of God at one time, but when they are motivated by financial consideration they are no longer serving God.

Here is a New Testament example:

Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit.
Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! “You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. “Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. “For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.” But Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”  Acts 8:14-24

What is amazing about Simon is that he once was a sorcerer but had given his heart to Christ and been baptized. This did not stop him from pursuing fame and fortune through the power of the Holy Spirit. Again, where do many of today’s prophets and apostles stand?

Read: The Anointing Part III