2 Peter 2:13-16

v13: The harm that false teachers cause to people by their teaching not only exposes them “to the wrath of God in another world,” it can “also often bring them to misery and ruin in this life.”

v14: False teachers have hearts that remain “unsatisfied in its lusts,” and their “eyes are constantly seeking satisfaction for their impure desires.” They “will work very hard, often successfully, to deceive others and draw others into the same [way of] living.”

v15: When people have an “excessive love of the good things of this world,” they will abandon “the path that leads to the inexpressibly better things of another life.” Balaam is an example of someone who loved riches and honour, and because of this took the path he knew would displease the Lord.

v16: Sometimes God will stop hardened sinners on the path they are taking and prick their consciences by a providence which startles and frightens them. Though this “uncommon and extraordinary rebuke” may for a time hinder their progress in sin, it is not enough to “make them abandon the path of sin to follow the path of holiness.”