9 What, then? are we better? not at all! for we did before charge both Jews and Greeks with being all under sin, 10 according as it hath been written—'There is none righteous, not even one; 11 There is none who is understanding, there is none who is seeking after God. 12 All did go out of the way, together they became unprofitable, there is none doing good, there is not even one. 13 A sepulchre opened 'is' their throat; with their tongues they used deceit; poison of asps 'is' under their lips. 14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. 15 Swift 'are' their feet to shed blood. 16 Ruin and misery 'are' in their ways. 17 And a way of peace they did not know. 18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.'
19 And we have known that as many things as the law saith, to those in the law it doth speak, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may come under judgment to God; 20 wherefore by works of law shall no flesh be declared righteous before Him, for through law is a knowledge of sin.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Romans 3:9-20
Commentary on Romans 3:9-18
(Read Romans 3:9-18)
Here again is shown that all mankind are under the guilt of sin, as a burden; and under the government and dominion of sin, as enslaved to it, to work wickedness. This is made plain by several passages of Scripture from the Old Testament, which describe the corrupt and depraved state of all men, till grace restrain or change them. Great as our advantages are, these texts describe multitudes who call themselves Christians. Their principles and conduct prove that there is no fear of God before their eyes. And where no fear of God is, no good is to be looked for.
Commentary on Romans 3:19-20
(Read Romans 3:19-20)
It is in vain to seek for justification by the works of the law. All must plead guilty. Guilty before God, is a dreadful word; but no man can be justified by a law which condemns him for breaking it. The corruption in our nature, will for ever stop any justification by our own works.