BALAK KNEW HOW TO ENTICE BALAAM
Although Balaam never delivers the desired curse, Balak never gives up enticing Balaam to curse Israel.  Several times Balak promises honor and wealth to Balaam. Balaam says that he is not moved by these enticements, but the fact that he chose to go to Balak and do all that he did indicates that what he said does not line up with what is in his heart. Balaam desires honor and wealth and is willing to scheme his way around God to get it.

When  the story reports that Balak repeatedly took Balaam to high places, we see that he was appealing to Balaam’s pride. In Biblical symbolism, high places are often associated with pride or ungodly worship. Thus we see that pride is the ultimate motivator for Balaam.