Search me, O Lord.

"None are more fatally bewitched than those that are bewitched by their own lusts."

--Matthew Henry on Numbers 25

Balaam knew that though God had intended to bless Israel, Israel could still be led astray from a strong relationship with God through their desire for idol worship. He knew the nation's weakness and counseled others to exploit it, to separate them from the true God.

The devil knows what weakens us, too. And though we may stand firm in our belief in God, we can yet be moved to vex Him unwittingly by acting upon human desires that oppose Him. Thus should we always be ready and eager to say, as did the psalmist David, "see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:24). This is a goodly request, and one He will be pleased to honor, if He finds us sincere and humble in asking it.

Have mercy upon us, O Lord.