9. Not even the chief angel Michael did this. In his quarrel with the Devil, when they argued about who would have the body of Moses, Michael did not dare to condemn the Devil with insulting words, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”
10. But these people attack with insults anything they do not understand; and those things that they know by instinct, like wild animals, are the very things that destroy them.
11. How terrible for them! They have followed the way that Cain took. For the sake of money they have given themselves over to the error that Balaam committed. They have rebelled as Korah rebelled, and like him they are destroyed.
12. With their shameless carousing they are like dirty spots in your fellowship meals. They take care only of themselves. They are like clouds carried along by the wind, but bringing no rain. They are like trees that bear no fruit, even in autumn, trees that have been pulled up by the roots and are completely dead.
13. They are like wild waves of the sea, with their shameful deeds showing up like foam. They are like wandering stars, for whom God has reserved a place for ever in the deepest darkness.
14. It was Enoch, the seventh direct descendant from Adam, who long ago prophesied this about them: “The Lord will come with many thousands of his holy angels
15. to bring judgement on all, to condemn them all for the godless deeds they have performed and for all the terrible words that godless sinners have spoken against him!”
16. These people are always grumbling and blaming others; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others in order to get their own way.
17. But remember, my friends, what you were told in the past by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.
18. They said to you, “When the last days come, people will appear who will mock you, people who follow their own godless desires.”
19. These are the people who cause divisions, who are controlled by their natural desires, who do not have the Spirit.
20. But you, my friends, keep on building yourselves up on your most sacred faith. Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit,
21. and keep yourselves in the love of God, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy to give you eternal life.
22. Show mercy towards those who have doubts;
23. save others by snatching them out of the fire; and to others show mercy mixed with fear, but hate their very clothes, stained by their sinful lusts.
24. To him who is able to keep you from falling, and to bring you faultless and joyful before his glorious presence —
25. to the only God our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, might, and authority, from all ages past, and now, and for ever and ever! Amen.