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2 Peter 2:15
15 Which have forsaken [kataleipo] the right [euthus] way [hodos], and are gone astray [planao], following [exakoloutheo] the way [hodos] of Balaam [Balaam] the son of Bosor [Bosor], who [hos] loved [agapao] the wages [misthos] of unrighteousness [adikia]; KJV-Interlinear
15 forsaking the right way they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, NASB
The story of Balaam can be found in three chapters, Num. 22-24.
When the Israelites were still wandering in the desert, but getting ready for their crossing into the Promised Land, Moses led them in several victories. This reputation and news, spread far and wide across the region, and Balak, the king of Moab, hired Balaam to set a curse against the Israelites, so he could defeat them by curse rather than by military force. Balak knew that he was going to be out-gunned and defeated, unless he could find some other means of beating the Israelites.
Balaam was at first reluctant to accept Balak’s offer. He feared God more than Balak. But Balak was persistent, and the offer became too good to pass up for Balaam.
He knew of the God of Israel, enough to be cautious. But the power of worldly reward was too tempting.
Balaam sought to curse the Israelites, but was unable. He instead blessed them with four of the most significant blessings in history, including the star and scepter prophecy related to the birth of Christ.
Balaam eventually went home and was later executed by the Israelites when the Midianites were defeated. Bad decisions in life lead always to bad results.
And Peters whole point here is?
Only God can bless and curse. If you want to be on the right side of history, on the right side of life, then you best align yourself up with God and not the world, else your future will be bleak at best.
Trying to align yourself up with history, with the world, with anything that seems to be popular in society, means that you are only cursing yourself. Whether through indifference, stubbornness, defiance, apathy, or whatever, makes no difference. Anti-God is anti-God.
There are only two sides in history – Gods, and everything else.
