2:17 waterless springs. Just as water sustains physical life, so true spiritual teaching nourishes spiritual life (Prov. 13:14; John 4:13–15)—a vivid image in a culture where water was a treasured resource. Like the dry well that only disappoints the thirsty (Jer. 14:3), the false teachers can only deceive and disappoint.

mists driven by a storm. Like hazy clouds that provide no refreshing rain (Jude 12), the false teaching cannot provide spiritual sustenance.