Commentators unanimously agree that Balaam's decision to have the messengers wait overnight was a critical error. He already knew God had blessed Israel and should have refused immediately. Instead, he entertained temptation, hoping to find a loophole. This serves as a powerful warning: when faced with a clear temptation, we should reject it outright rather than delaying in a false search for 'God's will' on a matter He has already made clear.