Numbers 24:13, 16
If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the Lord, to do either good or bad of mine own mind, but what the Lord said, that will I speak?….For he hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open.
Balaam had three times already blessed, and not cursed, the people of God, despite the insistence and bribery of King Balak. Now he is about to take up another oracle, speak a parable, which is going to be his strongest blessing yet: he predicts the Messiah!
Balaam’s response to Balak’s temptation is full of faith, and he faithfully speaks God’s Word. He figured: if God can put words in mouth of a donkey, surely I can speak the words He puts in my mouth. He resolves not to go beyond God’s Word and speak from his own mind. What a lesson for us! We, too, are called by the Lord to speak His words of blessing, to give a blessing when we talk to people.
Balaam had heard God, knew God’s Word, and saw God’s works. How could he respond in faith any other way than to say what the Lord wanted him to say? The Lord made him a prophet, speaking God’s words of blessing. We also have heard, known, and seen God by faith. Our fitting response is to tell everyone what great things God has done, and always give a blessing.
The tongue is more powerful than we realize. James 3:9: “With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.” We respond to God’s grace and salvation speaking words of blessing, and not the words that come from our own minds and emotions.