are full of
The phrase "are full of" suggests a state of being overwhelmed or dominated by something. In this context, it implies that cursing and bitterness are not occasional lapses but rather habitual and pervasive. This reflects the fallen nature of humanity, as described in Romans 3, where Paul emphasizes the universality of sin. The imagery of being "full" suggests a saturation point, where there is no room for anything else, indicating the depth of sin's hold on human nature.

cursing
Cursing in the biblical sense involves invoking harm or expressing deep-seated anger and malice towards others. It is a direct violation of the command to love one's neighbor (Leviticus 19:18) and stands in stark contrast to the blessings God desires for His people. In the cultural context of the time, cursing was often associated with invoking the power of deities to bring about misfortune. The prevalence of cursing among people highlights the moral decay and spiritual rebellion against God's law.

and bitterness
Bitterness refers to a state of deep-seated resentment and hostility. In Hebrews 12:15, believers are warned to "see to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." Bitterness is corrosive, affecting not only the individual but also those around them. It is often the result of unresolved anger and unforgiveness, which are contrary to the teachings of Christ, who calls for forgiveness and reconciliation (Matthew 6:14-15). The presence of bitterness in speech indicates a heart that has not been transformed by the grace and love of God.

- Scripture often links the mouth to the heart: “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). What proceeds from the lips exposes what rules the inner person.

- Paul, quoting Psalm 10:7, highlights humanity’s universal problem—speech is a window revealing sin’s deep roots (James 3:6–8).

- The verse does not describe only a few exceptionally wicked people; it is part of Paul’s sweeping indictment that “there is no one righteous” (Romans 3:10). Every unredeemed mouth testifies against its owner.

- “Full” signals saturation, not the occasional slip. Like a cup brimming over, the unregenerate heart cannot help but spill poisonous words (Luke 6:45).

- This fullness shows sin’s dominance. Until Christ cleanses a person, corruption permeates every faculty—including speech (Ephesians 4:17–19).

- God’s law demands purity even in conversation (Exodus 20:7; Colossians 4:6), so a mouth packed with venom stands condemned.

- Cursing in Scripture is more than profanity; it is speech that calls down harm, demeans, or rebels against God and neighbor (Psalm 59:12).

- Such language opposes the created purpose of the tongue—to bless the Lord and build up others (Proverbs 18:21; 1 Peter 3:10).

- Paul’s citation exposes hearts that instinctively curse rather than bless, confirming the desperate need for the gospel (Romans 12:14).

- Bitterness colors words with resentment, hostility, and unforgiveness (Ephesians 4:31).

- It springs from a heart hardened by sin’s injuries and self-centeredness (Hebrews 12:15).

- Jesus offers the opposite: gracious speech seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6) and forgiveness rooted in His own mercy (Luke 23:34).

Romans 3:14 paints a stark portrait of fallen humanity: hearts so enslaved to sin that mouths overflow with curses and bitter hostility. Paul stacks this evidence to prove universal guilt and to drive every listener to the only remedy—justification by faith in Christ (Romans 3:22–24). Redeemed by Jesus, believers exchange cursing for blessing and bitterness for grace, showcasing the transforming power of the gospel in everyday speech.

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