15. having left the straight way they have gone astray, having followed in the path of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the reward of unrighteousness;
16. but had reproof of his own wickedness-- the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the folly of the prophet.
17. These are springs without water, and mists driven by storm, to whom the gloom of darkness is reserved for ever.
18. For while speaking great highflown words of vanity, they allure with the lusts of the flesh, by dissoluteness, those who have just fled those who walk in error,
19. promising them liberty, while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a man is subdued, by him is he also brought into slavery.
20. For if after having escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, again entangled, they are subdued by these, their last state is worse than the first.
21. For it were better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.
22. But that word of the true proverb has happened to them: The dog has turned back to his own vomit; and, The washed sow to her rolling in mud.