That night God came to Balaam and told him, “Since these men have come for you, get up and go with them. But do only what I tell you to do.”

Numbers 22:20

I never get over a talking donkey. The Bible is so humorous.

“God does not make the wrong way smooth for one who has extorted permission to follow it.” - Richard Watson

Extort: to compel (something) of a person or thing

God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, rise up and go with them; but only the word which I speak to you shall you do.”
Numbers 22:20 (NASB)

Why God got mad at Balaam?

Balaam was a greedy shyster (a person who gets along by petty, sharp practices)

• Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved to gain from wrongdoing.
  2 Peter 2:15 (ESV)

• What sorrow awaits them! For they follow in the footsteps of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they deceive people for money. And like Korah, they perish in their rebellion.
  Jude 1:11

Balaam did not have control of flesh. His greed and pride of being sought out brought about a lot of unnecessary trouble.

How often do I attempt to “wear God down?”

• Balaam clearly heard what God said, “You will not go and curse the Israelites.” (Numbers 22:12-13)

Does my pride and importance to others supersede my desire to please God through obedience?

• The Moabites leader came to him because of his reputation of being available for the right price. (Numbers 22:5-6)

Balaam could have saved himself from:

• A long trip.
• Looking like a fool.
• Angering the enemies.
• An untimely death at the hands of the people he blessed.
• Being remembered in history as one who loved to gain money the wrong way.
  
  

What if we just obeyed God the first time?

What have I experienced because I didn't heed God’s stipulation?

Don’t attempt to wear God down. Just do what He says. Whatever He asks me to do is always for my good and His glory no matter how difficult it is.