Charles Spurgeon Commentary Mark 9:44-46

"[where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.] And if thy foot cause thee to stumble, cut it off: it is good for thee to enter into life halt, rather than having thy two feet to be cast into hell. [where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.]" — Mark 9:44-46 (ASV)

That is the second time he said these words. Our Lord was not fond of dreadful metaphors and terrible language, but he knew that they must be used, though some of his servants shrink from the use of them. Are they more loving than he is? Is it, after all, a greater love for souls that makes people keep back terrible truths? Is it not more honest and loving to tell the whole truth, whatever it may be?

It is harder to speak, but does it not show a more tender heart to be able to speak so as to warn people of their peril? If anything should seem as necessary to you as your foot, so that you can make no progress in life without it, yet if it would cost you your soul, give it up. Just as it would be better to live without a foot than to die, so is it better to go to heaven without even the necessities of life on the road than to perish everlastingly.