ROMANS 3:16

“DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS,”

We’ve all known people who leave a wake of destruction in their path. Ruined relationships, wrecked marriages, sabotaged careers – they all are landmarks in their lives. No amount of counseling or encouragement seems to change their course. They ignore all advice and seek their own way, which almost always harms themselves and others. That reminds me of Proverbs 18:1-2. “1 One who separates himself seeks his own desire; He quarrels against all sound wisdom. 2 A fool does not delight in understanding, but in revealing his own mind.”

Paul addresses such people in today’s verse. It is taken from the last phrase of Isaiah 59:7. “Devastation and destruction are in their paths.” Can’t you just visualize it? I picture a F5 tornado that literally vacuums up the landscape and deposits it back in ruins. I’ve seen such destruction first-hand after hurricanes. Once in South Carolina and another time in Florida, I have witnessed total devastation left behind by these storms. That’s the picture Paul is painting today of these individuals who destroy all in their path.

APPLICATION

“Destruction” is the Greek word suntribo which means, “concussion or utter fracture (properly, concretely), i.e. Complete ruin — destruction.” (Strong’s) This word is only used here in Romans 3:16. The Topical Lexicon says “Romans 3:16 spotlights the social fallout of sin. By borrowing this language, Paul shows that sinful humanity not only rebels vertically against God but also wreaks horizontal havoc among fellow image-bearers.” This destruction isn’t just of their own lives. They destroy all they touch without regard for anyone.

Then we see the misery caused by these people. The Greek word is talaipōría which is “literally, a calloused (miserable) condition; wretchedness resulting from ongoing, intense affliction.” (HELPS Word studies). It is used one other time in the New Testament in James 5:1. “Come now, you rich people, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you.” These people Paul is referring to cause these miseries.

How does this apply to us? Don’t be like that! Don’t destroy others. Don’t cause misery. Our goal should always be to build up others, not tear them down. Spread joy, not misery. Make peace, not war. Love as Christ loved.

O Lord, I fall so short of Your design for my life. Make me more like Jesus today.

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