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A very popular section of the Mishnah known as Pirkei Avot teaches:

Whoever possesses three things is of the disciples of Abraham, our ancestor; and [whoever possesses] three other things is of the disciples of Balaam, the wicked. A good eye, a humble spirit and a moderate appetite are of the disciples of Abraham, our father. An evil eye, a haughty spirit and a limitless appetite are of the disciples of Balaam, the wicked. What is the difference between the disciples of Abraham, our ancestor, and the disciples of Balaam, the wicked? The disciples of Abraham enjoy this world, and inherit the world to come, as it is said: “I will endow those who love me with substance, I will fill their treasuries” (Proverbs 8:21). But the disciples of Balaam inherit Gehinnom, and descend into the nethermost pit, as it is said: “For you, Adonai, will bring them down to the nethermost pit those murderous and treacherous ones; they shall not live out half their days; but I trust in You” (Psalms 55:24).

The first question that comes to my mind is, “Why do the rabbis choose these two biblical figures for comparison?” It comes from the concept of g’zera shava, which is when two very similar (or sometimes identical) words or phrases appear in two contrasting pericopes. In the case of Abraham and Balaam, the phrases are “I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who curse you,” said to Abraham in Genesis 12, and “I know that the one you bless is blessed, and the one you curse is cursed” which Balak says to Balaam in Numbers 22 (from Parashat Balak, this week’s Torah portion).

The difference between the two characters is highlighted by the Talmudic commentators by looking at Abraham’s journey to slaughter Isaac (SPOILER ALERT: Isaac survives), and Balak’s journey to curse the Israelites. First, Abraham gets up early in the morning to follow God’s command, while Balaam argues and tries to get out of his journey. Next, Abraham leaves his family and then his servants behind, while Balaam gathers his servants and runs to catch up with the king’s messengers. Abraham nearly kills Isaac, while Balaam nearly kills his donkey. Abraham is praised by an angel, while Balaam is cursed by an angel. Finally, Abraham sees God’s intent when he lifts his eyes, and Balaam understands but does not truly see when he looks down on the Israelites.

So in their respective journeys, Abraham accepts the sacrifice for his faith in God and is rewarded, while Balaam readies to sacrifice the Israelites for wealth and fails.

When we are presented with the same situation, many of us behave differently. It is a constant challenge to react to what life throws at us like Abraham—with faith, humility, and hard work. It can be easier to react like Balaam, hoping to enrich ourselves on the downfall of others, and I hope that we as a community will behave as the disciples of Abraham.