2 Peter 2:17 ¹⁷These people are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm; the gloom of darkness has been reserved for them.

Peter minces no words about the false teachers and prophets. He continues to warn his readers about the seriousness of following such people. He uses three images in this verse that tease the imagination and should create a sense of dread about people like this. First, the image of a waterless springs gives the idea of a promise without fulfillment. A spring promises water but does not deliver. A thirsty person anticipates fresh, cool water, but when the bucket is lowered and nothing comes up, the result is disappointment and even more intense thirst. These people may say one thing but provide another. At first, their words sound interesting and entertaining, but they lack truth and power. Their promises do not work because these promises are based on their own ideas and not from God. God’s promises are true, but these people give false hope with powerless imagination.

The next image of mists driven by a storm shows weakness and temporality. The image is of fog coming into shore, being blown around by the wind, but quickly dissipating with the rising sun. The words of the false teachers lacked power and vitality. They were just blowing hot air. Any human thinking without reference to God’s creative power will lack eternal value.

Finally, these people will experience the gloom of darkness. Their future will match their empty hearts. Blackest darkness is a similar image to the judgment and punishment the angels will experience in verse 4. Blackness has no light and is void of God’s presence. These three images send a strong message about the danger of listening to false teaching and the great responsibility of teachers to speak the truth. Rejecting the truth has serious consequences. Spiritual leaders must be especially vigilant about preserving the truth and communicating it accurately.