The Bible often compares wicked individuals to venomous serpents, illustrating their destructive nature and the poison of their words.
In scripture, wickedness is frequently depicted as a dangerous poison, akin to the nature of a viper. For instance, John the Baptist calls the Scribes and Pharisees a 'generation of vipers' in Matthew 3:7, highlighting their deceitful and destructive character. The comparison draws upon the poisonous qualities of vipers, which consume and spread venom through their words and actions. As noted in the Psalms, the 'poison of asps is under their tongues' (Psalm 140:3), reflecting the harmful speech of the wicked, akin to the lethal bite of a serpent.
Moreover, wicked individuals, much like vipers, may outwardly appear righteous or devout, but are inwardly filled with malice and error. The hypocrisy of the Pharisees demonstrates this point, as they misled others while claiming lineage from Abraham as their justification (Matthew 3:9). This illustrates an essential truth within Reformed theology: external appearances do not determine one's standing before God; rather, it is the condition of the heart that reveals true wickedness or righteousness.
Commentary