Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, [and] from a deceitful tongue.
Deliver {H5337} my soul {H5315}, O LORD {H3068}, from lying {H8267} lips {H8193}, and from a deceitful {H7423} tongue {H3956}.
Rescue me, ADONAI, from lips that tell lies, from a tongue full of deceit.
Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips and a deceitful tongue.
Deliver my soul, O Jehovah, from lying lips, Andfrom a deceitful tongue.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
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Proverbs 12:22
¶ Lying lips [are] abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly [are] his delight. -
Psalms 109:1
¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise; -
Psalms 109:2
For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue. -
Matthew 26:59
Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; -
Matthew 26:62
And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what [is it which] these witness against thee? -
Psalms 35:11
¶ False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge [things] that I knew not. -
Psalms 140:1
¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;
Psalm 120:2 is a heartfelt plea for divine protection against the destructive power of false speech. The psalmist cries out to God to be delivered from those who speak untruths and practice deception.
Context
This verse is part of Psalm 120, the first of the fifteen "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134). These psalms were likely sung by pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. The psalmist is depicted as living "among those who hate peace" (Psalm 120:6), indicating a context of hostility and conflict, where verbal attacks—slander, gossip, and false accusations—were a significant threat to one's well-being and reputation. This prayer arises from a deep need for refuge from such spiritual and social dangers.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew terms used are vivid: "lying lips" (s'phat-sheqer) refers to speech that is inherently false, often intended to mislead or harm. "Deceitful tongue" (lashon r'miyah) implies a tongue that is treacherous, cunning, and unreliable, often used to ensnare or betray. Both phrases emphasize not just accidental untruths, but deliberate, malicious misrepresentation designed to cause damage. This kind of verbal assault is seen as a direct threat to the psalmist's "soul," indicating the deep emotional and spiritual impact of such words.
Related Scriptures
The psalmist's cry resonates through history, as the danger of a lying tongue, which God detests, remains a constant threat. The Bible consistently warns against falsehood, from the Old Testament proverbs that condemn perverse speech to the New Testament's emphasis on truth. For instance, Jesus identified the devil as the father of lies, revealing the spiritual root of deceit. The New Testament also warns against falsehood, urging believers to speak truth in love and to be wary of those who spread deception.
Reflection
In a world often saturated with misinformation, gossip, and intentional falsehoods, Psalm 120:2 offers a timeless prayer for our own protection. It reminds us to be discerning listeners, to guard our own words, and to consistently seek God's deliverance from the destructive influence of deceit. This verse encourages believers to bring their anxieties about verbal attacks to the Lord, trusting in His ability to shield their souls from harm.