The story of Balaam and his donkey as told in the Book of Numbers in the Torah contains an important lesson about the power of words and intentions. Balaam was a non-Jewish prophet who was summoned by the Moabite king Balak to curse the Israelites. However, God compelled Balaam to bless the Israelites instead each time he opened his mouth. This tale illustrates how our words and inner motives carry tremendous power.
The Angel and the Talking Donkey
As Balaam was journeying to meet King Balak, his donkey saw an angel standing in the road with a drawn sword, but Balaam could not see the angel. His donkey veered off the road three times to avoid the angel, and each time Balaam beat her in anger. Finally, God allowed the donkey to speak, scolding Balaam for beating her. At this point the angel revealed itself to Balaam as well and warned him only to say what God allows him to speak.
Blessings Instead of Curses
Even though Balak kept taking Balaam to different vantage points, hoping he would pronounce curses over the Israelites, Balaam instead uttered stirring blessings over them each time. These included the famous words “How goodly are your tents, O Jacob, your dwelling places, O Israel!” (Numbers 24:5). Balaam only spoke what God permitted him to, overriding his own desires and ignoring all of Balak's riches offered as rewards.
The Power of Speech
This story showcases how our speech carries immense power - enough to build up or destroy those around us. Despite external coercion, Balaam chose to use his words to bless rather than curse. His transformation from cruelly beating his donkey to praising Israel teaches that while we cannot always control events around us, we can rule our own tongue and attitudes. Our words flow directly from inner intentions and feelings. Therefore, this story also highlights the supreme power of intentions, as Balaam repeatedly uttered blessings the opposite of what Balak wanted.
Choosing Words with Care
As in the Jewish concept that every human life carries equal infinite value, our tradition emphasizes that our speech has colossal worth too. This tale firmly discourages gossip, slander or verbal abuse that tear others down. Instead of allowing outer anger to dictate our speech as Balaam once did, we can learn from his later example of letting his higher God-consciousness gently guide his tongue. Soft, constructive words reflect and awaken the Divine within us and those around us as well.
The Power to Uplift
Beyond just controlling poor speech habits, this account challenges us to actively use our words to uplift others, speaking to ‘the God within’ all persons. We can ask ourselves: are my words dictated more by my reactive impulses and frustrations over my circumstances? Or do I direct my speech consciously from my highest, most compassionate self?
Transforming Reality with Speech
Let us wisely weigh our words before releasing them and align our speech with elevated intentions that honor the Divinity within all. As Balaam discovered, this stance channels wondrous power to magically transform curses perceived by the ordinary eye into transcendent blessings. Our speech shapes outer reality, but also our inner world. With holy care and purpose fueling our words, we can build with this gift of immense potential not only our lives but all of reality for the better.
Wishing you a wonderful day filled with blessings!
Until next time,
Tohar Liani