42 " Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble , it would be better e for him if , with a heavy millstone hung around his neck , he had been cast into the sea . 43 " If your hand causes you to stumble , cut it off ; it is better for you to enter life crippled , than , having your two hands , to go into hell , into the unquenchable fire , 44 [where THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE , AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED .] 45 "If your foot causes you to stumble , cut it off ; it is better for you to enter life lame , than , having your two feet , to be cast into hell , 46 [where THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE , AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED .] 47 " If your eye causes you to stumble , throw it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye , than , having two eyes , to be cast into hell , 48 where THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE , AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 9:42-48
Commentary on Mark 9:41-50
(Read Mark 9:41-50)
It is repeatedly said of the wicked, Their worm dieth not, as well as, The fire is never quenched. Doubtless, remorse of conscience and keen self-reflection are this never-dying worm. Surely it is beyond compare better to undergo all possible pain, hardship, and self-denial here, and to be happy for ever hereafter, than to enjoy all kinds of worldly pleasure for a season, and to be miserable for ever. Like the sacrifices, we must be salted with salt; our corrupt affections must be subdued and mortified by the Holy Spirit. Those that have the salt of grace, must show they have a living principle of grace in their hearts, which works out corrupt dispositions in the soul that would offend God, or our own consciences.