2 Peter 2:17 KJV [17] “These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.”      In Bible times, a well was a source of life, refreshment, and survival. Travelers depended on wells in dry lands to quench their thirst. To come upon a well that promised water, but was empty, would bring frustration and potential danger. Peter reminds us that false teachers and ungodly influences promise spiritual refreshment, but they have nothing to give. They are full of empty promises that leave people deceived and damned for …

2 Peter 2:16 KJV [16] “but was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.”      It is clear to see that Balaam was motivated by money and materialism. However, what Balaam called opportunity, God called madness. Sin often looks reasonable, profitable, or harmless to the human mind, but in reality, it is reckless and destructive. The word “madness” means “to be out of one’s mind.” Whenever someone goes down the pathway of sin, they lose their common sense because their lustful desires get the best of them.      Balaam was …

2 Peter 2:16 KJV [16] “but was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.”      It is clear to see that Balaam was motivated by money and materialism. However, what Balaam called opportunity, God called madness. Sin often looks reasonable, profitable, or harmless to the human mind, but in reality, it is reckless and destructive. The word “madness” means “to be out of one’s mind.” Whenever someone goes down the pathway of sin, they lose their common sense because their lustful desires get the best of them.      Balaam was …

2 Peter 2:15 KJV [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;”      Balaam was a man who knew the voice of God and spoke the words of God, yet allowed his heart to be captured by the wages of unrighteousness. His tragedy was not ignorance, but abandonment. He forsook the right way and went astray. He knew what was right, but he deliberately turned aside. He once had direction and understanding, but he chose another path. His downfall was that he …

2 Peter 2:14 KJV [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:”      The warning in this text is not meant to discourage us but to awaken us. God desires stable souls, clean hearts, and faithful lives. The admonishment here is to pursue holiness daily and to help others remain steady in their walk with the Lord. To accomplish this, we must examine our own hearts. We must be careful not to allow small sins to go unchecked. We must guard our eyes, …