2 Peter 2:10-22 (New International Version)
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10
This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire1 of the sinful naturea and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings;2
11
yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord.3
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But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish.4
13
They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight.5 They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.b6
14
With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce7 the unstable;8 they are experts in greed9--an accursed brood!10
15
They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam11 son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness.
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But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey--a beast without speech--who spoke with a man's voice and restrained the prophet's madness.12
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These men are springs without water13 and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them.14
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For they mouth empty, boastful words15 and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping16 from those who live in error.
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They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity--for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.17
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If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing18 our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ19 and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.20
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It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.21
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Of them the proverbs are true: "A dog returns to its vomit,"c22 and, "A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud."
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online)
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