13-18. Their, &c.--From generals, the apostle here comes to
particulars, culling from different parts of Scripture passages which
speak of depravity as it affects the different members of the
body; as if to show more affectingly how "from the sole of the foot
even to the head there is no soundness" in us.
throat is an open sepulchre--
(Ps 5:9);
that is, "What proceeds out of their heart, and finds vent in speech
and action through the throat, is like the pestilential breath of an
open grave."
with their tongues they have used deceit--
(Ps 5:9);
that is, "That tongue which is man's glory
(Ps 16:9; 57:8)
is prostituted to the purposes of deception."
the poison of asps is under their lips--
(Ps 140:3):
that is, "Those lips which should 'drop as an honeycomb,' and 'feed
many,' and 'give thanks unto His name'
(So 4:11;
Pr 10:21;
Heb 13:15),
are employed to secrete and to dart deadly poison."
JFB.
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