17 These are springs without water and mists driven by a storm , for whom the black darkness has been reserved . 18 For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires , by sensuality , those who barely escape from the ones who live in error , 19 promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption ; for by what a man is overcome , by this he is enslaved . 20 For if , after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ , they are again entangled in them and are overcome , the last state has become worse for them than the first . 21 For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness , than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. 22 It has happened to them according to the true proverb , " A DOG RETURNS TO ITS OWN VOMIT ," and, "A sow , after washing , returns to wallowing in the mire ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Peter 2:17-22
Commentary on 2 Peter 2:17-22
(Read 2 Peter 2:17-22)
The word of truth is the water of life, which refreshes the souls that receive it; but deceivers spread and promote error, and are set forth as empty, because there is no truth in them. As clouds hinder the light of the sun, so do these darken counsel by words wherein there is no truth. Seeing that these men increase darkness in this world, it is very just that the mist ofdarkness should be their portion in the next. In the midst of their talk of liberty, these men are the vilest slaves; their own lusts gain a complete victory over them, and they are actually in bondage. When men are entangled, they are easily overcome; therefore Christians should keep close to the word of God, and watch against all who seek to bewilder them. A state of apostacy is worse than a state of ignorance. To bring an evil report upon the good way of God, and a false charge against the way of truth, must expose to the heaviest condemnation. How dreadful is the state here described! Yet though such a case is deplorable, it is not utterly hopeless; the leper may be made clean, and even the dead may be raised. Is thy backsliding a grief to thee? Believe in the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved.