Psalms 5:9

KJV

For [there is] no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part [is] very wickedness; their throat [is] an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.

KJV (with Strong's)

For there is no faithfulness {H3559} in their mouth {H6310}; their inward {H7130} part is very wickedness {H1942}; their throat {H1627} is an open {H6605} sepulchre {H6913}; they flatter {H2505} with their tongue {H3956}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For in their mouths there is nothing sincere, within them are calamities, their throats are open tombs, they flatter with their tongues.

Berean Standard Bible

For not a word they speak can be trusted; destruction lies within them. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.

American Standard Version

For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; Their inward part is very wickedness; Their throat is an open sepulchre; They flatter with their tongue.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse, a poignant declaration from King David, vividly exposes the profound moral depravity and destructive communication of his adversaries. It meticulously details their inherent deceit, internal corruption, and the lethal nature of their speech, serving as a foundational justification for the psalmist's earnest plea for divine intervention and righteous judgment against those who oppose God and His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 5 is a morning prayer (v. 3), a lament in which David cries out to God for deliverance from his enemies. The psalm is structured around a stark contrast between God's perfect righteousness and the pervasive wickedness of the ungodly. Verses 1-7 articulate David's earnest plea and express his unwavering trust in God's holy character and His hatred for evil. Psalms 5:9, situated within verses 8-10, shifts from David's personal petition to a detailed and damning description of his adversaries' character. This vivid portrayal of their deceitful words and corrupt hearts serves a crucial function: it provides the moral basis and justification for David's subsequent plea for divine judgment, underscoring the absolute necessity of God's intervention against such pervasive evil. The verse acts as a bridge, linking the enemies' depravity to God's just response.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's life was frequently marked by intense opposition, whether from King Saul, his rebellious son Absalom, or various foreign adversaries. This psalm likely reflects a period of significant personal or national distress where David faced cunning and malicious foes. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the spoken word was imbued with immense power and significance; it was often seen as a direct extension of one's character and could carry profound consequences, including blessings or curses. Therefore, a "mouth without faithfulness" or a "flattering tongue" was not merely a social failing but a deep moral and spiritual corruption that undermined trust, social order, and covenant relationships. The imagery of an "open sepulchre" would have evoked not only death and decay but also ritual impurity and defilement, powerfully conveying the abhorrent and contaminating nature of their words.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 5:9 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the Psalter and broader Scripture. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Inward Corruption**, asserting that the problem of wickedness is not superficial but originates from the very core of one's being ("their inward part is very wickedness"). This resonates with other biblical passages that speak to the [deceitfulness of the human heart](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Deceitful Speech**, emphasizing that the words of the wicked are utterly unreliable and designed to manipulate ("no faithfulness in their mouth" and "they flatter with their tongue"). This stands in sharp contrast to the integrity and truthfulness expected of God's people. Finally, the potent metaphor of "their throat is an open sepulchre" underscores the theme of **Destructive Communication**, revealing that their speech is not merely empty but actively lethal, spreading spiritual death, moral decay, and ruin. This chilling imagery is notably echoed by the Apostle Paul in [Romans 3:13](/romans/3-13 "Romans 3:13 - Universal Sinfulness") to depict the universal sinfulness of humanity, highlighting the pervasive nature of corrupt speech.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Faithfulness (Hebrew, _ʾĕmûnâ'_):** This noun denotes truth, reliability, trustworthiness, and stability. Its absence in the mouths of David's enemies signifies that their words are utterly devoid of integrity and cannot be relied upon. They are inherently untrustworthy, and their communication lacks any foundation of truth or steadfastness, making them deceptive and dangerous.
* **Wickedness (Hebrew, _hawwâ'_):** This term carries connotations of ruin, calamity, perversity, and mischief. It emphasizes that the enemies' inner being is not merely flawed but actively bent towards causing harm and desolation. Their internal state is characterized by an active desire for destruction and a deliberate inclination towards evil, manifesting in their outward actions and words.
* **Flatter (Hebrew, _ḥālāq'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be smooth" or "slippery," this verb describes speech that is deceptively smooth, oily, or glib. It implies a calculated use of words designed to mislead, manipulate, or gain an advantage rather than to convey truth. Such flattery is not benign but a dangerous tool used to ensnare, deceive, and ultimately harm others.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For [there is] no faithfulness in their mouth":** This opening clause immediately establishes the fundamental untrustworthiness of David's adversaries. Their words are not merely unreliable but entirely devoid of truth, integrity, or constancy. They speak with deceit, and their promises or assertions hold no weight, reflecting a deep moral corruption that permeates their communication.
* **"their inward part [is] very wickedness":** This phrase delves beyond superficial actions or words to expose the core of their being. It reveals that their problem is not just external behavior but originates from their innermost thoughts, intentions, and desires. Their heart, the seat of their will and affections, is fundamentally corrupt and actively bent towards evil, ruin, and destruction.
* **"their throat [is] an open sepulchre":** This is a powerful, visceral metaphor. An "open sepulchre" (or grave) is a place of death, decay, and defilement. By comparing their throat—the source of their speech—to such a place, the psalmist vividly conveys that their words are not just empty or false, but actively destructive, contaminating, and lethal. Their speech spreads spiritual death, moral corruption, and ruin, poisoning relationships and society.
* **"they flatter with their tongue":** This final clause specifies the insidious method of their deceit. Their tongue, the instrument of speech, is used for flattery—smooth, alluring, and seemingly benign words that are, in reality, manipulative and designed to entrap, mislead, or gain an advantage. This highlights the calculated and deceptive nature of their communication, which aims to ensnare rather than to edify or reveal truth.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 5:9 is rich in literary devices that amplify its powerful message. The most prominent is the **Metaphor** found in "their throat [is] an open sepulchre." This vivid image directly compares the source of their speech to a decaying tomb, powerfully conveying the defiling, destructive, and death-dealing nature of their words. The verse also employs **Hyperbole** with phrases like "no faithfulness" and "very wickedness," emphasizing the absolute and pervasive nature of their corruption rather than suggesting a mere absence or slight degree of evil. Furthermore, the verse exhibits a form of **Climactic Parallelism**, where each clause builds upon and intensifies the description of the enemies' depravity. The progression from "mouth" to "inward part" to "throat" and "tongue" demonstrates a comprehensive and escalating corruption, moving from external speech to internal character and then to the specific, insidious nature of their communication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 5:9 offers profound theological insights into the nature of sin, the power of words, and God's righteous character. It underscores the biblical truth that human depravity is not merely an outward manifestation but originates from a deeply corrupted heart, from which destructive words flow. This verse serves as a stark reminder that speech is not neutral; it can either build up or tear down, convey truth or spread deceit, reflect God's character or manifest human wickedness. David's lament and description of his enemies' deceitful words and wicked hearts ultimately appeal to God's justice, affirming that the Lord, who is perfectly righteous, sees and judges such pervasive evil. It highlights the divine standard of truth and integrity against which all human communication is measured.

* [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart")
* [Matthew 12:34](/matthew/12-34 "Matthew 12:34 - Words from the Heart")
* [Romans 3:13](/romans/3-13 "Romans 3:13 - Universal Sinfulness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 5:9 serves as a timeless warning and a crucial call to spiritual discernment in a world often saturated with deceptive narratives and manipulative rhetoric. It challenges believers to cultivate a keen awareness of the words they hear and to critically evaluate the motives behind them, recognizing that outward charm or smooth speech can often mask profound inward corruption. This verse compels us to examine our own hearts and tongues, prompting introspection: Are our words faithful, true, and edifying, or do they harbor hidden agendas, deceit, or destructive intent? It reminds us of the profound biblical connection between the heart and the words that proceed from it, urging us to guard our hearts diligently. Ultimately, despite the prevalence of wickedness and deceit in the world, this psalm encourages us to place our trust firmly in God's perfect justice. He sees and knows the true nature of every heart and will ultimately bring all hidden things to light, providing comfort and assurance that righteousness will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I cultivate greater discernment to recognize deceitful speech and flattery in my daily interactions?**
* **What does my own speech reveal about the condition of my heart, and how can I align my words more closely with God's truth?**
* **How does trusting in God's ultimate justice influence my response when I encounter pervasive wickedness and deceit in the world?**

### FAQ
**Why does David describe his enemies in such harsh terms?**

Answer: David's description of his enemies in Psalms 5:9 is not merely an expression of personal animosity but a profound theological indictment. As God's anointed king, David viewed opposition to himself and his righteous rule as direct opposition to God's established order and holy character. By exposing their utter depravity—from their deceitful words ("no faithfulness in their mouth") to their wicked hearts ("their inward part is very wickedness") and destructive speech ("their throat is an open sepulchre")—he justifies his earnest plea for divine judgment. This stark portrayal highlights the absolute contrast between the wicked and God's perfect justice and holiness, affirming that God is righteous in dealing with such pervasive evil. It sets the stage for God's necessary and righteous intervention against those who actively work against His purposes and people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 5:9, with its stark depiction of human depravity and the destructive power of deceitful speech, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The "no faithfulness in their mouth" and "very wickedness" of the inward part described here perfectly encapsulate the universal human condition of sin, a truth profoundly echoed by Paul in [Romans 3:13](/romans/3-13 "Romans 3:13 - Universal Sinfulness") when he quotes this very verse. In stark contrast to this pervasive corruption, Jesus is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the embodiment of perfect truth and faithfulness, whose mouth spoke only words of life and grace. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), directly addressing the "very wickedness" of the inward part that no human effort or self-improvement can rectify. His sacrifice on the cross cleanses the defilement of sin, which is vividly represented by the "open sepulchre" of corrupt speech, transforming hearts and enabling believers to speak words that are pure and edifying. While the wicked flatter to destroy, Jesus spoke words of [grace and truth](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Through Jesus Christ"), ultimately offering genuine life and salvation. Through His triumph over sin and death, those who trust in Him are no longer defined by their inherent wickedness but are made new creations, empowered by the Holy Spirit to speak words of [life and edification](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech") rather than decay, reflecting His character and truth.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 3:13

Their throat [is] an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps [is] under their lips:

Jeremiah 9:3

And they bend their tongues [like] their bow [for] lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 9:6

Thine habitation [is] in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD.

Psalms 62:4

They only consult to cast [him] down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.

Micah 6:12

For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue [is] deceitful in their mouth.

Proverbs 29:5

¶ A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

Psalms 51:6

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden [part] thou shalt make me to know wisdom.