A Prophet Seeking Profit: Balaam’s Warning for Today

“Woe unto them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward…” – Jude 11

The story of Balaam stands as one of the most sobering accounts in the Bible. It’s not merely a tale of a prophet who lost his way—it’s a warning to every believer who may be tempted to exchange conviction for personal gain.

Balaam began his journey as a prophet of God. Though not an Israelite, he spoke with the authority of the Lord. When Balak, king of Moab, feared the advancing Israelites, he offered Balaam a handsome reward to curse them. At first, Balaam seemed righteous—refusing the offer until he had sought the Lord’s will. God’s answer was clear: “You shall not go with them” (Numbers 22:12).

But Balaam’s heart was already being swayed by the promise of reward. When Balak sent more prestigious messengers with even greater rewards, Balaam asked God again—despite already knowing His will. In response, God allowed him to go, not because He changed His mind, but because He does not force obedience. In fact, God’s anger burned against Balaam for going (Numbers 22:22), revealing the dangerous delusion of self-justification.

The story becomes both tragic and ironic when Balaam’s donkey sees what he cannot—an angel of the Lord with a drawn sword. When the donkey speaks, Balaam doesn’t react with awe or repentance but argues with the animal, blinded by his own greed.

The lesson is timeless. Balaam’s desire for personal gain overrode his spiritual clarity. Though he continued to speak God’s words and even blessed Israel instead of cursing them, his heart was divided. Revelation 2:14 reveals the full extent of his downfall: he advised Balak to lead Israel into sin through idolatry and fornication, knowing that Israel’s strength was in their faithfulness to God.

Balaam was eventually killed for his betrayal (Numbers 31:8), serving as a cautionary example of someone who started on the right path but allowed the allure of the world to lead him astray.

What does this mean for us?

• Like Balaam, we may face moments where obedience seems costly and compromise appears profitable.

• We must not twist scripture to suit our desires or justify actions we know are wrong.

• God desires full commitment, not partial devotion veiled in religious language.

• As 2 Peter 1:5–10 reminds us, we can only ensure that we remain on the right path by growing in faith, virtue, knowledge, and love.

  
  

Let Balaam’s story remind us: we are free to choose, but we are not free from the consequences of our choices. A heart divided by the world’s promises can quickly lose sight of God’s will—even when His word is plain.

Are you seeking God—or seeking profit?