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.