Psalms 34:13

Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

Keep {H5341} thy tongue {H3956} from evil {H7451}, and thy lips {H8193} from speaking {H1696} guile {H4820}.

[If you do,] keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceiving talk;

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech.

Keep thy tongue from evil, And thy lips from speaking guile.

Commentary

Commentary on Psalms 34:13

Psalms 34:13 offers profound wisdom on the **power of speech** and its impact on one's life. It emphasizes the importance of controlling the tongue and lips to avoid evil and deceit, guiding believers towards a path of integrity and righteousness. This verse is a timeless call to mindful communication, highlighting its significance in a life pleasing to God.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Psalm 34 (specifically verses 12-14) where David, having experienced God's deliverance (likely after feigning madness before Abimelech, as indicated in the psalm's superscription), poses a fundamental question: "What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?" The subsequent verses, including verse 13, provide a direct answer to this query: **righteous living**, which critically includes the **discipline of speech**. It's presented as a foundational instruction for those seeking a blessed and fruitful life from the Lord.

Key Themes

  • Control of Speech: The verse directly commands the **restraint of the tongue** and lips. This isn't merely about avoiding outright lies, but also encompasses slander, gossip, harsh words, flattery, and any form of speech that causes harm or misleads. It's a call to conscious self-control over what is uttered.
  • Integrity and Truthfulness: "Speaking guile" refers to deceit, trickery, and dishonesty. The psalmist advocates for **sincere and truthful communication**, reflecting an upright heart. A person of integrity speaks what is true, reliable, and without hidden motives.
  • Pathway to Righteousness: This discipline of speech is presented as an essential component of a life pleasing to God. It links directly to the pursuit of peace and good, as mentioned in the following verse (Psalms 34:14), which admonishes to "depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it." Righteous speech is foundational to righteous living.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "guile" is mirmah (ΧžΦ΄Χ¨Φ°ΧžΦΈΧ”), which conveys meanings of deceit, treachery, fraud, and cunning. It implies not just accidental falsehood but intentional misleading. Therefore, "speaking guile" means to speak with a deceptive intent, to manipulate, or to betray through words. It highlights the serious nature of dishonest communication.

Practical Application

In an age of rapid communication and social media, the wisdom of Psalms 34:13 is more relevant than ever.

  • It challenges us to consider the profound impact of our words, whether spoken aloud, written in messages, or posted online.
  • Before speaking or typing, we are encouraged to ask: Is it evil? Is it deceitful? Is it harmful? This fosters mindful communication.
  • The verse encourages a commitment to truthfulness and genuine communication, which builds trust and fosters positive relationships in families, communities, and workplaces.
  • It reminds believers that **bridling the tongue** is a fundamental aspect of Christian conduct and a sign of true spiritual maturity, as emphasized in the New Testament, notably by James, who states that if anyone "seem to be religious, and bridles not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain" (James 1:26).
  • Ultimately, Psalms 34:13 calls us to use our words for blessing, edification, and truth, reflecting the character of God and contributing to peace in the world.
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Cross-References

  • James 3:5

    Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

  • James 3:10

    Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

  • Psalms 141:3

    Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

  • Proverbs 21:23

    ΒΆ Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

  • 1 Peter 2:22

    Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

  • James 1:26

    If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion [is] vain.

  • Colossians 3:9

    Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;