Friday, February 13, 2015

Romans 3:13

Copyright Ó 2015 J. Neely
Romans 3:13

13 Their [autos] throat [larugx] is an open [anoigo] sepulchre [taphos]; with their [autos] tongues [glossa] they have used deceit [dolioo]; the poison [ios] of asps [aspis] is under [hupo] their [autos] lips [cheilos]:   KJV-Interlinear

13 “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.”   ESV

Not the best description of humanity, and certainly does not indicate any goodness of humanity, of any kind.

The grave is the place of death, corruption, the stench of decay and putridness.  An open grave, is not an unoccupied grave, but one in which there is an occupant.  Dead of course.  But the openness reveals the contents which is obvious from the foul odor, and from the decay that lies within.

The open mouth of humanity, when doctrine is not in it, is no better than an open grave, the stench of the mouth reveals the corruption of the soul. The words that come forth are gossip, slander, deceit, and otherwise falsehoods that originate from a corrupt soul.

The asp, is one of the most poisonous snakes found in the Middle East. Of the adder variety, it has poison that when inflicted in its victim, means certain and instant death, it is so potent and powerful and quick.

And the mouth of evil is no better than the poison of the asp.

Hidden under the lips means it is hidden, and therefore deceitful.  It means the intent is never good, but only self-serving.  It means that the agenda is of evil and nothing more.

And so, the goodness of man is a lie.  Compromise of truth is a false concept.  Considering other religions or philosophies as equal or honorable, is a fraud belief designed to make lies, legitimate.

And all of these things serve only to confuse, confound and otherwise lead people away from truth, from Christ, from their spiritual opportunities, and from their eternal destiny and reward.