Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

The ambassadors set out at once on their long journey. When
they found Balaam they delivered the message of their king: "Look,
a people has come from Egypt. See, they cover the face of the earth
and are settling next to me! Therefore please come at once, curse
this people for me, for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be
able to drive them out of the land, for I know that he whom you
bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed."
Balaam was once a prophet of God, but he had backslidden and
given himself up to covetousness. When the messengers announced
their errand, he knew very well that it was his duty to refuse the
rewards of Balak and send the ambassadors away. But he took a
chance on lingering with temptation and urged the messengers to
stay that night, declaring that he could give no answer until he had
asked counsel of the Lord. Balaam knew that his curse could not
harm Israel, but his pride was flattered by the words, "He whom you
bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed." The bribe of
costly gifts inflamed his covetousness, and while he professed to
obey the will of God, he tried to go along with the desires of Balak.
In the night the angel of God came to Balaam with the
message, "You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the
people, for they are blessed."
How One Sin Opened the Door to Satan's Control
In the morning, Balaam sent the messengers away but did not
tell them what the Lord had said. Angry that his visions of wealth
383