Ambrose of Milan, on Num 22:17

“For I am ready to honour thee, and will give thee whatsoever thou wilt: come and curse this people.”

“Love of money then is an old and ancient vice, which showed itself even at the declaration of the divine law; for a law was given to check it. On account of love of money Balak thought Balaam could be tempted by rewards to curse the people of our fathers. Love of money would have won the day too, had not God bidden him hold back from cursing.”

Imported from an open dataset — not yet checked against the printed edition.