Judges 2:19 And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way.
An example of stubbornness after God has given the clearest providences, is the situation which occurred with Balaam, when he supposedly asked God for His guidance on the matter of cursing God’s people. The disposition to pray and ask God for His guidance on matters that we already know what is the right thing to do, is a form of presumption.
For instance, Christians who know about tithing are not to ask God whether they should return tithes, for He has already stated so in His word. Therefore, to inquire of Him about that which He has already made plain, is to set up oneself for defeat, because God is not to be trifled with.
Believe it or not, there is something such as a stupid question, for if the enemy of God comes with such a request as to curse God’s own people in return for a lumpsum of cash, there isn’t a justifiable reason to take such a matter to God in prayer, for the answer is obvious.
Numbers 22:5 He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me: 6 Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!