How do we know the error of Balaam is true?

Balaam's story is captured in Numbers 22-24, where he is shown to be a prophet who ultimately succumbs to the lure of financial reward, corrupting God's message. Jude references Balaam as a quintessential example of those who mislead others for selfish gain. His actions not only illustrate the dangers of covetousness but also warn against the commodification of spiritual gifts. The motivations behind Balaam's decisions can be connected to current challenges within the church, where similar errors lead to the diluting of the Gospel for material advantage. Peter emphasizes this in 2 Peter 2:3, stating that influential figures among us can exploit their positions for profit, encouraging vigilance against such corrupt tendencies.