Romans 3:13-16 NKJV – “Their throat [is] an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit”; “The poison of asps [is] under their lips”; 14 “Whose mouth [is] full of cursing and bitterness.” 15 “Their feet [are] swift to shed blood; 16 Destruction and misery [are] in their ways;
V13 “Their throat [is] an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit”; “The poison of asps [is] under their lips…
Throat and tongues refer to speech, what they are saying. What we say originates in our heart (soul)—Matthew 12:34-37. Deceit is a character trait of our sin nature (Psalm 58:3).
The poison refers to lies about another person, group, nation, etc., for the purpose of destroying their character, even their life. See Psalm 140:3.
The Greek word practice deceit is (G1387) δολιόω dolióōin, which means (Word Study Dictionary) “To lure as by bait, use deceit or guile to deceive.” It is in the imperfect so is an ongoing trait.
V14 …Whose mouth [is] full of cursing and bitterness.
They use cursing and bitter words. This can be lies, false witness, verbal abuse, etc.
Compare: Matthew 15:18-20, Galatians 5:19-21, and Isaiah 55:7)
God hates lies (Psalm 5:6 and Psalm 10:7)
God is the God of truth (2 Samuel 7:28, Psalm 31:5, and John 14:6).
Bitterness is a hurt (perceived or actual) that continues repeatedly.
V15 “Their feet [are] swift to shed blood…
This is not just to bring a physical death but to destroy one’s personality. It refers to our anger, envy, and lust. They are bent on destroying a person’s character, personality, even life.
V16 …Destruction and misery [are] in their ways…
Not only do they cause difficulties in others but to themselves as well. Such is the sin nature. People need regeneration which Jesus has graciously offered, and we can wisely believe and trust in Jesus alone for forgiveness of sin. He then will give a new heart and new desires.
Their ways refer to their lifestyle—what they are, what they do, what they think, and what they say.
God’s ways are 100% opposite.
We learn:
- The evil of the sin nature.
- That all humans, other than Jesus, have this sin nature.
Questions:
- What will you do with your sin nature?
- What are you trusting in to have forgiveness of sins?