“12 And God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” 13 So Balaam arose in the morning and said to Balak’s leaders, “Go back to your land, for Yahweh has refused to allow me to go with you.”” (Num. 22:12 LSB).  https://accordance.bible/link/read/LSB#Num._22:12

Balaam was a very unique individual for he apparently knew the One True God, the God of Israel, but was not an Israelite. In Balaam’s pursuit of God, God must have revealed Himself to him. God made everyone, loves everyone, so it makes sense that He would chose to make Himself known to some in the world who are outside the people He is working with to make Himself known to everyone. But Balaam loved pleasing men too, and perhaps money. This love apart from God and maybe greater than God, would cost him his life for it would lead to his working against God. Balaam was not completely honest with the men who came to see him. The Lord did forbid Balaam to go with them to curse Israel but it was because Israel was blessed by God, a fact Balaam didnt mention. Not mentioning this reason, forgetting this original word from God, would cause Balaam trouble until it eventually killed him for working and plotting against the will of God. This is the lesson. We cannot love pleasing people or the applause and approval of men more than the will and word of God. This is a constant battle but one that can be won through developing a greater love for God in our hearts so that our identity is truly as His child rather than as a man pleaser.