Midrash su Numeri 24:23

There is wisdom which is both beneficial and harmful to the one who possesses it. Joshua possessed wisdom that was beneficial, as it is said: Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom (Deut. 34:9). To what may this be compared? To a reservoir that supplied an entire city with water. Everyone praised it, with the exception of one man who advised them to praise the well that supplied the water (for the reservoir) instead. Similarly, while they were extolling Joshua for giving drink to Israel through his wisdom, he said to them: “Praise Moses instead,” for Moses had laid his hands upon him (ibid.). Balaam had wisdom which was harmful to him, as it is stated: The saying of him who heareth the word of God, and knoweth the knowledge of the Most High (Num. 24:23), and finally: Balaam the son of Beor they slew with a sword (ibid. 31:8).

Balaam said: Of the seventy nations that the Holy One, blessed be He, created in His world, He did not put His name on any one of them except on Israel; and since the Holy One, blessed be He, made the name of Ishmael similar to the name of Israel, woe to him who shall live in his days, as it is said, "Alas, who shall live when God establisheth him?" (Num. 24:23).