Emotionally healthy people have boundaries. Boundaries protect relationships. Boundaries reveal how we can treat others in the same respectful ways that we would prefer to be treated ourselves. The Golden Rule Boundary.
The 10 Commandments are actually 10 Boundaries. They are given to enlighten humanity how to have happy relationships that are based on mutual respect and kindness. Unselfish choices are those that regard the other person as valuable as ourselves.
Making selfish choices, that disregard the welfare of others, will always destroy relationships.
God warns us about the natural consequences of selfish choices, but He never inflicts consequences/punishment/curses on anyone. Painful consequences are not a direct divine action. God doesn't inflict artificial consequences upon humanity. Selfishness brings its own misery. God warns humanity that unpleasant things happen when individual boundaries are not respected.
God is not a dictator. Dictators command and don’t offer choices. God offers freedom.
God reveals the truth so that the truth can set you free – Knowing the truth allows the opportunity to make free to make an informed choice and avoid the consequences that always accompany selfish choices.
Choose wisely because there are consequences - and that's not a threat; it's a warning.