Matthew Henry Commentary Romans 3:9-18

"What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we before laid to the charge both of Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin; as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none that understandeth, There is none that seeketh after God; They have all turned aside, they are together become unprofitable; There is none that doeth good, no, not, so much as one: Their throat is an open sepulchre; With their tongues they have used deceit: The poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood; Destruction and misery are in their ways; And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes." — Romans 3:9-18 (ASV)

It is shown here again that all humankind are under the guilt of sin as a burden; and under the government and dominion of sin, enslaved by it to do evil. This is made clear by several passages of Scripture from the Old Testament, which describe the corrupt and depraved state of all people, until grace restrains or changes 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 there is no fear of God, no good is to be expected.