Question: I was having a discussion with a friend at a study get together and the comment was made, “G-d does not punish people with disease.” To which I responded then what about Numbers 12? G-d clearly punishes Miriam with a disease. We came to no consensus but we are curious if there is one.

Answer: Most certainly, diseases are from Gd. It is only colds and slight fevers which are common that cannot be attributed to Gd but rather to man’s carelessness in exposing himself to the viruses that cause these common illnesses. All other ailments come from Gd but not necessarily as punishments. They could be tests of one’s faith or obstacles to be overcome for the purpose of improving one’s dedication to Gd. See Exodus 15:26

And He said, If you hearken to the voice of the Lord, your God, and you do what is proper in His eyes, and you listen closely to His commandments and observe all His statutes, all the sicknesses that I have visited upon Egypt I will not visit upon you, for I, the Lord, heal you