Q2 Peter 1:21 says that “holy men of God” were moved to write the scriptures. What about a case like Balaam where he uttered the words of God yet he was far from holy?
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AThis question touches on the subject of inspiration. The verse in 2 Peter states that God used instruments that were holy (saints) in the process of inspiration. It is important to see that the actual men who spoke or wrote the inspired words were holy men. While it is true that Balaam was far from holy, the one who penned the words (Moses) certainly was a holy man.
“Prophecy was not ever uttered by the will of man, but holy men of God spake under the power of the Holy Spirit” 2 Peter 1:21
Also, I believe the force of 2 Peter 1:21 is that the power behind inspiration is the Holy Ghost, not the flesh. So, keeping this in mind, read the verse again. Although they were holy men, it still wasn’t by human power that they wrote the scriptures. It was Divine power. Therefore the source of inspiration is the primary emphasis, and the Spirit’s choice of a vessel is in keeping with the character of the Source; i.e. holy men used by the Holy Spirit.