Jude 1:10

“But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.”

Context:The book of Jude is a short letter written by Jude, the brother of James and a servant of Jesus Christ. Jude wrote this letter to address false teachers who were infiltrating the early Christian community and leading people astray. In verse 10, he describes these false teachers and their behaviour.

Speaking evil of what they do not know:The false teachers that Jude refers to in this verse are those who speak against things they have no understanding of. They arrogantly criticise and slander things they are ignorant about, which reveals their lack of spiritual discernment and wisdom. Their speech is filled with baseless accusations and false judgments.

Natural knowledge corrupted:Jude compares these false teachers to “brute beasts.” It means that they rely on their natural instincts and desires, devoid of spiritual understanding. They operate on a purely instinctual level, driven by their own fleshly desires rather than seeking divine wisdom. As a result, they corrupt themselves in the process. Their behaviour and teachings are rooted in the corrupting influences of their own fallen nature, leading them away from the truth of God.

Application:Jude’s words serve as a warning to believers to be cautious of false teachers who may try to lead them astray. It emphasises the importance of discernment and the need to test every teaching against the truth of God’s Word. Instead of relying on human wisdom or natural instincts, Christians are called to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and study the Scriptures to develop a deep understanding of God’s truth. By doing so, believers can guard themselves against deception and stay on the path of righteousness.

• Related Scriptures:
• Proverbs 18:2 (KJV): “A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.”
• 2 Peter 2:12-13 (KJV): “But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption.”
• 1 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV): “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

Remember, a Bible study should be complemented with prayer, meditation, and further study of the surrounding verses and context to gain a comprehensive understanding of the passage.