When preparing for tests, we were always told to go with our first instinct and that it was usually the correct one. And yet, I often couldn't help but overthink the question and second guess myself. What if my initial inclination was wrong?

In this week's Torah portion, the prophet Balaam is asked to go and curse the Israelites. He checks with God who tells him not to go so he declines the job. King Balak's messengers return, this time with a larger financial offer and Balaam asks God again for permission to go. God tells Balaam that if he really wants to go then go, but what he says is up to God.

In many of our lives, we've had a job offer that we knew wasn't right for us or were in a relationship that just wasn't compatible. But then we are provided with some incentive or the fear of other opportunities not arising overwhelms us and we take the job or stay in the relationship even though we know in our heart of hearts that isn't the right choice. We should all aspire to not be like Balaam and trust our instincts and listen to that internal voice. Let's not allow money or fear to convince us to go against our best interests. After all, our first inclination is almost always the right one.