10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. 12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet. 17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. (2 Peter 2:10-17 KJV)
Depravity of False Teachers
The apostle warns believers against seducers by describing their character and conduct, which justify their reserved judgment. These false teachers follow their sinful desires, refusing to submit their thoughts to Christ or live by God’s commands. They live according to corrupt nature, growing worse in ungodliness and impurity. They despise those in authority, showing bold contempt and speaking evil of them.
In contrast, even angels—greater in power and might—do not slander rulers. Though they may bring accusations, they do so reverently before God, not with bitter or reproachful speech. Let us follow their example and bring our complaints about wickedness to God in humility, not with anger or reviling.
These false teachers are more like brute beasts than rational humans (2 Peter 2:12). They lack spiritual understanding, live by their senses, and reject divine truth. Their ignorance leads to slander, and their corruption leads to destruction. Often, their sins bring ruin even in this life. They indulge openly in sin and celebrate their shame, constantly seeking new ways to gratify their lusts. Their eyes are full of adultery, and they can’t stop sinning. They are also eager to draw others into their corruption, especially the unstable—those not grounded in God’s grace.
These teachers are not only immoral but greedy, continually scheming to gain wealth. Their hearts are trained in covetousness. For this, the apostle calls them “cursed children” (2 Peter 2:14), deserving of God’s judgment. They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the path of Balaam, who loved the wages of unrighteousness (2 Peter 2:15).
Though God rebuked Balaam through a miraculous event—the speech of his donkey—he still pursued his wicked course (2 Peter 2:16). Like Balaam, these false teachers ignore warnings and persist in sin. Even extraordinary signs do not turn them from their path. Though Balaam was restrained from cursing Israel directly, his desire for riches led him to push the boundaries of God’s command.
These deceivers are described as “wells without water” (2 Peter 2:17). Ministers should be fountains of truth and comfort, but these men offer nothing nourishing. They speak with pompous words that sound impressive but lack substance. They are like storm-driven clouds—unstable, self-serving, and misleading. Just as they obscure truth now, a fitting end awaits them: “the blackest darkness is reserved for them forever” (2 Peter 2:17).