There are a lot of spiritual options out there, but not all of them are for our good. In this passage, Peter lays out several “warning signs” to help us identify dangerous teachings and false paths in a world of multitudinous options. Specifically, he calls out slander (vv.10-12), the absence of self-control (vv.13-14), a love of money (vv.15-16), and sexual immorality (vv.14 & 18). At the root of each of these is pride and greed, which can destroy the lives of others for the sake of personal gain. Peter offers these words of warning so that we might not be ensnared by such teachers nor mimic their ways, instead being focused on Christ who is the one who has rescued us.