Psalms 37:30

Context

Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm, likely authored by King David, offering guidance on how to live righteously in a world where the wicked often seem to prosper. It contrasts the temporary success of evildoers with the enduring blessing and inheritance of the righteous. Throughout the psalm, David urges readers not to fret or be envious of the wicked, but instead to trust in the Lord, delight in Him, and commit their way to Him. Verse 30 specifically describes a key characteristic of the righteous person mentioned throughout the psalm: their speech reflects their inner character and divine alignment.

Key Themes

• The Nature of Righteous Speech: This verse highlights that the words of a righteous individual are not empty or harmful, but are filled with substance and truth. Their speech is a direct outflow of their inner integrity and spiritual discernment.
• Wisdom as a Guiding Principle: The "wisdom" spoken of is not merely intellectual knowledge, but a practical, godly understanding that informs one's life and choices. It's the ability to apply divine truth to everyday situations, leading to discernment and sound advice.
• Speaking of Judgment/Justice: The term "judgment" (KJV) here refers to righteousness, justice, or discerning truth. It means the righteous person speaks what is right, fair, and aligned with God's standards. Their tongue is used to uphold justice, to correct error, and to declare God's righteous ways, rather than to slander or deceive.
• Integrity and Authenticity: The verse implies a seamless connection between a person's heart and their words. Just as out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, so the righteous person's speech genuinely reflects their godly character.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words behind this verse offer deeper nuance:

• "Speaketh" (Hebrew: hagah): This word often implies a deep, meditative utterance, a musing or pondering that then finds expression. It suggests that the wisdom spoken is not superficial but comes from a place of thoughtful reflection on God's truth.
• "Wisdom" (Hebrew: chokmah): More than just intelligence, chokmah refers to practical skill, moral discernment, and the ability to live skillfully in accordance with God's design. It's the art of living well.
• "Talketh of judgment" (Hebrew: dabar mishpat): Dabar means to speak or declare. Mishpat refers to justice, judgment, or righteous decrees. Thus, the righteous person's tongue declares what is right, fair, and just, reflecting God's own character and standards. It is not about condemning others, but about upholding truth and righteousness.

Practical Application

Psalm 37:30 serves as a powerful reminder for believers about the importance of their words:

• Cultivate a Righteous Heart: The verse emphasizes that righteous speech flows from a righteous character. Our words are a barometer of our inner spiritual condition. Therefore, cultivating a heart that seeks God's wisdom and justice is foundational.
• Speak with Purpose and Discernment: We are called to use our tongues not for gossip, slander, or idle chatter, but to speak words that are wise, edifying, and aligned with truth and justice. Consider the impact of your words: Do they bring light or darkness? Do they build up or tear down?
• Be a Voice for Truth and Justice: In a world often filled with deceit and injustice, the righteous are called to speak out for what is right, to offer counsel rooted in biblical wisdom, and to advocate for fairness. This doesn't mean being judgmental in a condemning way, but rather upholding God's righteous standards.
• Reflect Christ in Your Speech: As followers of Christ, our speech should reflect His character, who is the embodiment of wisdom and righteousness. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man.