4 Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like that of a cobra that has stopped its ears,
4 Their poison is like the poison
4 They have venom like the venom of a serpent, like the deaf adder that stops its ear,
4 Poison, lethal rattlesnake poison, drips from their forked tongues -
4 Their poison is like the poison of a serpent; They are like the deaf cobra that stops its ear,
4 They spit venom like deadly snakes; they are like cobras that refuse to listen,
5 that will not heed the tune of the charmer, however skillful the enchanter may be.
5 Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming
5 so that it does not hear the voice of charmers or of the cunning enchanter.
5 Deaf to threats, deaf to charm, decades of wax built up in their ears.
5 Which will not heed the voice of charmers, Charming ever so skillfully.
5 ignoring the tunes of the snake charmers, no matter how skillfully they play.
(Read Psalm 58:1-5)
When wrong is done under the form of law, it is worse than any other; especially it is grievous to behold those who profess to be children of God, joining together against any of his people. We should thank the Lord for merciful restraints; we should be more earnest in seeking renewing grace, more watchful over ourselves, and more patient under the effects of fallen nature in others. The corruption of their nature was the root of bitterness. We may see in children the wickedness of the world beginning. They go astray from God and their duty as soon as possibly they can. And how soon will little children tell lies! It is our duty to take pains to teach them, and above all, earnestly to pray for converting grace to make our children new creatures. Though the poison be within, much of it may be kept from breaking forth to injure others. When the Saviour's words are duly regarded, the serpent becomes harmless. But those who refuse to hear heavenly wisdom, must perish miserably, for ever.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 58:4
Commentary on Psalm 58:1-5
(Read Psalm 58:1-5)
When wrong is done under the form of law, it is worse than any other; especially it is grievous to behold those who profess to be children of God, joining together against any of his people. We should thank the Lord for merciful restraints; we should be more earnest in seeking renewing grace, more watchful over ourselves, and more patient under the effects of fallen nature in others. The corruption of their nature was the root of bitterness. We may see in children the wickedness of the world beginning. They go astray from God and their duty as soon as possibly they can. And how soon will little children tell lies! It is our duty to take pains to teach them, and above all, earnestly to pray for converting grace to make our children new creatures. Though the poison be within, much of it may be kept from breaking forth to injure others. When the Saviour's words are duly regarded, the serpent becomes harmless. But those who refuse to hear heavenly wisdom, must perish miserably, for ever.