14 “Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”
“Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”
This is a quotation of Psalm 10:7. This Psalm emphasizes the treacherous way people treat others.
This is the tenth indictment against mankind.
The speech of mankind that finds its source in “cursing and bitterness” is blasphemous. Man is “full” of these attitudinal sins. This operation is not occasional or exceptional but typical or “full” as a lifestyle.
“Cursing and bitterness” refers to speech that results in bringing curses upon others and a bitterness of attitude. “Cursing” has the idea of deep malice that hopes for the worst to come upon the enemy of the curser, who publically defames those he does not like. “Bitterness” is open attitudinal hostility against others.
PRINCIPLE:
The tongue can be used as a vicious tool to hurt others.
APPLICATION:
Sinful mankind wants to verbally harm others. This springs from and results in further bitterness of heart.
Ps 64:3, Who sharpen their tongue like a sword, And bend their bows to shoot their arrows—bitter words, 4 That they may shoot in secret at the blameless; Suddenly they shoot at him and do not fear.
Jas 3:9-10, With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.