Definition: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam [the son] of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage together. It’s a pretty serious one, but we can understand it in simpler terms. Here's what it means: This verse is from the letter 2 Peter, written to a Christian named Paul. It’s essentially saying: “Those who have rejected God’s way and are now following a path of wrong and selfishness – they are like Balaam, a man who favored taking advantage of unrighteousness and unfair treatment.” Let's unpack that a little further: “Which have forsaken the right way…” : This means they’ve stopped walking in accordance with God’s teachings and principles. They’re not following His guidance or loving Him. It’s like choosing to live a life that isn’t aligned with what is good and true. “…and are gone astray…” : They've strayed off course, moving in a direction that isn’t right. They’re no longer walking the path God has laid out for them. “Following the way of Balaam [the son] of Bosor…” : This is where it gets interesting. Balaam was a Nazarene (a leader in Israel) who deliberately encouraged people to do wrong – like taking advantage of others when they weren’t being fair. He was known for favoring those who acted unjustly. So, “following Balaam” means they are actively participating in and embracing an unrighteous life. “…who loved the wages of unrighteousness;” : This is the key part. "Wages of unrighteousness" refers to the rewards or benefits that come from doing wrong – like being exploited, cheated, or treated unfairly. Balaam was loving this kind of thing, which is what makes him a bad example. In short, the verse warns against those who are actively choosing an evil path and are drawn towards selfishness, injustice, and taking advantage of others. What does it mean for us today? This verse can be a reminder to: Stay on God’s path: Always strive to live in accordance with His will. Reject selfish behavior: Don't chase after rewards or benefits that come from doing wrong. Be kind and compassionate: Treat others with respect and fairness, just like we should treat God. Do you want me to explain any of this further? For example, would you like a more detailed explanation of the concept of ‘wages of unrighteousness’? Or perhaps you’d like to explore how this verse applies to our daily lives?