Peter continues his description of the character and actions of the false teachers troubling the church by noting their actions as being like Balaam.
Balaam was a prophet during the days of Moses as the children of Israel were in the wilderness of Judea. Balaam’s greed and desire for glory led him to initially disobey God, as the King of Moab wanted him to curse God’s people (Numbers 22). On the way, a dumb donkey kept him from such an evil task (cf. 22:22-34).
The false teachers addressed by Peter have the same motivation, leaving truth for personal gain. In verse 3, “By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words…” Such actions can rightly be described as “madness” – they go against God!
Just as a well or storm clouds promise water, but disappoint us when they are dry or pass by without rain, these false teacher’s disappoint. Their words are useless and corrupt.
They are condemned and will be punished by God in eternity.
