The asp, a venomous serpent, is frequently referenced in the Bible as a symbol of danger and deceit. Its venom is particularly noted for its potency and deadly nature, making it an apt metaphor for the destructive power of wicked speech. The imagery of the asp's venom is used to convey the insidious and harmful effects of malicious words and deceitful tongues.

In the Psalms, the venom of asps is directly associated with the speech of the wicked. Psalm 140:3 states, "They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips." This verse vividly portrays the wicked as those who use their words as weapons, inflicting harm and spreading poison through deceit and malice. The comparison to the asp underscores the lethal potential of their speech, which can corrupt and destroy relationships, communities, and even nations.

The apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, echoes this sentiment by drawing from the Psalms to describe the universal sinfulness of humanity. In Romans 3:13 , he writes, "Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The venom of vipers is on their lips." Here, Paul emphasizes the pervasive nature of sin, highlighting how the wickedness of speech is a manifestation of the deeper corruption within the human heart. The reference to the venom of asps serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of words when used to deceive and harm others.

The use of the asp's venom as a metaphor for wicked speech is consistent with the broader biblical theme of the tongue's power. James 3:8 warns, "But no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." This passage reinforces the idea that the tongue, like the venom of an asp, can be a source of great evil when not controlled by righteousness and truth.

In the biblical worldview, the speech of the wicked, likened to the venom of asps, stands in contrast to the speech of the righteous, which is characterized by truth, edification, and grace. Believers are called to guard their tongues and to speak words that reflect the love and truth of God, avoiding the deceit and malice that characterize the speech of the wicked. The imagery of the asp's venom serves as a powerful warning of the potential consequences of allowing one's speech to be guided by sin rather than by the Spirit of God.Psalm 140:3
They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah.
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Romans 3:13
Their throat is an open sepulcher; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
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