⁹ if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials^(A) and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.^{(B) 10} This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire^(C) of the flesh^[a] and despise authority.

Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings;^{(D) 11} yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not heap abuse on such beings when bringing judgment on them from^[b] the Lord.^{(E) 12} But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals they too will perish.^(F)

¹³ They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight.^(G) They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.^{[c](H) 14} With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce^(I) the unstable;^(J) they are experts in greed^(K)—an accursed brood!^{(L) 15} They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam^(M) son of Bezer,^[d] who loved the wages of wickedness. ¹⁶ But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey—an animal without speech—who spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.^(N)

¹⁷ These people are springs without water^(O) and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them.^(P)

⁷ By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire,^(A) being kept for the day of judgment^(B) and destruction of the ungodly.

⁵ But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath^(A), when his righteous judgment^(B) will be revealed.

¹⁷ For the great day^(A) of their^[a] wrath has come, and who can withstand it?”^(B)

¹³ They are wild waves of the sea,^(A) foaming up their shame;^(B) wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.^(C)