19. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts--"evil reasonings";
referring here more immediately to those corrupt reasonings which had
stealthily introduced and gradually reared up that hideous fabric of
tradition which at length practically nullified the unchangeable
principles of the moral law. But the statement is far broader than this;
namely that the first shape which the evil that is in the heart takes,
when it begins actively to stir, is that of "considerations" or
"reasonings" on certain suggested actions.
murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies--detractions, whether directed against God or man;
here the reference
seems to be to the latter. Mark
(Mr 7:22)
adds, "covetousnesses"--or desires after more; "wickednesses"--here
meaning, perhaps, malignities of various forms; "deceit,
lasciviousness"--meaning, excess or enormity of any kind, though by
later writers restricted to lewdness; "an evil eye"--meaning, all looks
or glances of envy, jealousy, or ill will towards a neighbor; "pride,
foolishness"--in the Old Testament sense of "folly"; that is, criminal
senselessness, the folly of the heart. How appalling is this
black catalogue!
JFB.
Outline
Jesus discourses about human traditions. (1-9)
He warns against things which really defile. (10-20)
He heals the daughter of a Syrophenician woman. (21-28)
Jesus heals the sick, and miraculously feeds four thousand.
(29-39)
Painted sketch of Eastern Orientals Washing Hands
Important Topics for Bible Study
Quick Reference Map
Map of Galilee and northern Israel
(Click to Enlarge)
Ancient Customs
Ancient People
Geography
the wilderness
the mount of God
Quick Reference Maps
Map of the Red Sea and Egypt
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The New Testament