How did Balaam plan to make money?
Balaam planned to profit by returning to Moab to curse the people, motivated by the wealth he could gain—the wages of unrighteousness. He sought to cash in on his talent of divination and enchantments, using his gift for financial gain.
Les explains that Balaam's way was driven by love for the wages of unrighteousness. He could not refrain from going back to Moab to curse those people because he saw the wealth he could gain. Les applies this to today: many use the Word of God to line their own pockets, and he calls that Balaamism. Balaam was in it for one purpose—to line his own pocket, thinking he could cash in on his particular talent or gift, which was divination and enchantments. Les clarifies that pastors and preachers are due their salaries, but he condemns those who use the Word of God for no other reason than to enhance their own financial status. He notes the New Testament has the same thing.