Curse this people for me.

Numbers 22:15-21, Then Balak again sent leaders, more numerous and more distinguished than the former. And they came to Balaam and said to him, “Thus says Balak the son of Zippor, ‘Let nothing, I beg you, hinder you from coming to me; for I will indeed honor you richly, and I will do whatever you say to me. Please come then, curse this people for me.’” And Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything, either small or great, contrary to the command of the Lord my God. And now please, you also stay here tonight, and I will find out what else the Lord will speak to me.” And 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.” So Balaam arose in the morning, and saddled his donkey, and went with the leaders of Moab.

King Balak of Moab was so afraid of the “horde” that had come out of Egypt that he sought a way to bring a curse on them. Balaam was apparently a famous and corrupted prophet, and must have had some reputation for bringing down curses. He first refused and then agreed to go, but in seeking the Lord he is told to go with them but only speak that which the Lord allows. It appears that Balaam knows the Lord, and yet he seems willing to risk compromise for a reward.

Why is he willing to take a risk like that for such a short-term gain?
Lord, keep us focused on Your priorities to seek after what is of eternal significance!