Romans 3:14

¹³“Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips.” ¹⁴“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”¹⁵“Their feet are swift to shed blood;

Summary

This verse is part of a larger passage where Paul describes the sinful nature of humanity and the universal need for salvation. Here, he quotes from Psalm 10:7 to illustrate the destructive power of sin in people's speech and actions. The imagery of 'poison of vipers' on their lips emphasizes the harmful and deceitful nature of sinful words. Paul's message underscores the pervasive influence of sin in every aspect of human life, highlighting the importance of recognizing our need for God's grace and redemption.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Whose mouth is full of cursing, etc. - They never speak but in profane oaths, blasphemies, and malice.

John Gill Bible Commentary

Destruction and misery are in their ways. This passage also is to be found in Isa 59:7, and may be understood either actively thus: all the ways they take, and methods they pursue, are to make their fellow creatures miserable, to ruin and destroy them; or passively, that by their sinful ways and vicious course of life, they themselves are brought to destruction and misery: the way they are walking in is, "the broad way, that leadeth to destruction", Mat 7:13; the end of it, what it issues in, is eternal death, the destruction of the body and soul in hell, which will be attended with endless and inexpressible misery. ; the end of it, what it issues in, is eternal death, the destruction of the body and soul in hell, which will be attended with endless and inexpressible misery. Romans 3:17 rom 3:17 rom 3:17 rom 3:17And the way of peace have they not known. This is a citation front Isa 59:8, and expresses the ignorance of mankind, with regard to true peace, and the way unto it: men are naturally ignorant of the way of peace with God; of the first step which God took towards it; of the council and covenant of peace, in which the scheme of it was drawn, and the method fixed; of Christ the peacemaker, and of the way in which he has made it; and of the Gospel, which reveals and publishes it. They are ignorant of the true way of enjoying peace of conscience; they have no true peace of mind, their consciences are often tortured; and though they may have a stupid and secure peace, yet nothing that is true, real, and solid; for they are without the Spirit, whose fruit is peace; and without faith in Christ, by which true peace only is enjoyed; nor are they spiritually minded, which is life and peace; nor have they any knowledge of the way to have it; they are ready to think it must be had by doing something of their own, and not that it is to be had only in Christ, in his blood and righteousness. They are ignorant of the paths of wisdom, which are peace; peace is enjoyed in them, they lead unto it, and issue in it: they know not the way to eternal peace; they imagine something done by the creature is the way; and are ignorant that Christ is the only way of salvation, the true way to eternal life, everlasting peace and happiness: yea, they know not the way of peace among men, and one another; nor will they do that which is just and right, in order to support and maintain it, but are unjust, deceitful, and quarrelsome; they do not study peace, but rather contention, which they like and approve of. The Jews talk (x) much of their good nature, affability, and condescension, and of their doing this and that, and the other thing, , "because of the ways of peace". (x) Misn. Gittin, c. 5. sect. 8, 9. T. Hieros. Demai, fol. 24. 1. Maimon. Obede Cochabim, c. 10. sect. 5.