Psalms 50:19

KJV

Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou givest {H7971}{H8804)} thy mouth {H6310} to evil {H7451}, and thy tongue {H3956} frameth {H6775}{H8686)} deceit {H4820}.

Complete Jewish Bible

you give your mouth free rein for evil and harness your tongue to deceit;

Berean Standard Bible

You unleash your mouth for evil and unharness your tongue for deceit.

American Standard Version

Thou givest thy mouth to evil, And thy tongue frameth deceit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 50:19 issues a profound divine indictment against those within God's covenant community who, despite outward religious observance, are characterized by deep internal corruption, specifically manifested in their speech. The verse powerfully exposes a deliberate and voluntary surrender of the mouth to evil purposes and a calculated, artful construction of deceit by the tongue, revealing a stark and damning disconnect between external piety and internal moral depravity. It underscores God's unwavering scrutiny of the heart, which is often most clearly betrayed by the words one speaks.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 50 functions as a dramatic prophetic oracle, portraying God Himself as both prosecutor and judge in a cosmic courtroom scene. The psalm opens with a majestic depiction of God's glorious appearance, summoning heaven and earth as witnesses to His judgment of His people. It then sharply contrasts the superficiality of ritualistic sacrifices with the profound necessity of genuine worship rooted in a transformed heart, emphasizing thanksgiving, obedience, and integrity. Verses 7-15 address those who mistakenly believe God needs their sacrifices or that outward offerings alone are sufficient for true worship. Following this, verses 16-21 directly confront the wicked or hypocritical among God's people, meticulously detailing their specific transgressions. Verse 19, in particular, hones in on the profound misuse of speech, serving as a direct and searing accusation within this divine lawsuit. The broader narrative flow of the psalm moves from a grand cosmic summons to pointed, personal indictments, culminating in a call to genuine repentance and a promise of salvation for those who offer true worship, as highlighted in [Psalm 50:23](/psalms/50-23 "Psalm 50:23 - The Way of Salvation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm is deeply rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Israel, established at Mount Sinai. In the ancient Near East, covenants often involved detailed stipulations, blessings for obedience, and curses for disobedience, frequently presented in a legal, "lawsuit" (or "rib") format. Israel, despite possessing the Mosaic Law and the elaborate sacrificial system, frequently succumbed to the temptation of external religiosity without internal devotion. They might meticulously perform temple rituals while simultaneously engaging in social injustice, moral corruption, and, as this verse indicates, pervasive deceit in their daily interactions. The cultural norms of the time placed immense value on oaths, verbal agreements, and the integrity of one's word, making the sin of deceitful speech particularly egregious within a covenant community that claimed to represent a truthful God. God's judgment here is not against the sacrificial system itself, but against its abuse by a people whose hearts were far from Him, a theme powerfully echoed by later prophets such as [Isaiah 1](/isaiah/1 "Isaiah 1 - God's Indictment of Israel") and [Amos 5](/amos/5 "Amos 5 - A Call for Justice and Righteousness").
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 50:19 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the psalm and broader biblical literature. Foremost is the theme of **Hypocrisy**, where outward religious performance serves as a mask for inward moral corruption. The psalm asserts that God sees beyond mere ritual to the true condition of the heart, which is often revealed most clearly through one's words and actions. This leads directly to the theme of **True Worship vs. Ritualism**, emphasizing that God desires a heart of thanksgiving, integrity, and obedience more than burnt offerings, as explicitly stated in [Psalm 50:14](/psalms/50-14 "Psalm 50:14 - Offer to God a Sacrifice of Thanksgiving"). The verse also powerfully highlights the **Sin of the Tongue**, portraying speech not as an accidental slip, but as a deliberate and artful instrument of evil and deceit. This underscores the profound biblical understanding that words are not neutral; they carry immense power for good or ill, directly reflecting the heart from which they spring, a concept elaborated upon by Jesus in [Matthew 12:34](/matthew/12-34 "Matthew 12:34 - Out of the Abundance of the Heart the Mouth Speaks"). Finally, the verse reinforces the overarching theme of **Divine Judgment**, reminding the audience that God is a righteous judge who holds His people accountable for their words and deeds, and that no sin, especially deliberate deception, escapes His discerning notice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **givest (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** This verb (H7971) means "to send away, for, or out," and in a broader sense, "to let loose," "to give up," or "to put forth." In this context, it conveys a deliberate and voluntary act of surrendering or releasing one's mouth for evil purposes. It implies an unrestrained, intentional deployment of vocal faculties for wickedness, rather than an accidental or involuntary utterance. The individual actively chooses to dedicate their speech to harmful ends, indicating a conscious decision to engage in corrupt communication.
* **frameth (Hebrew, _tsâmad'_):** This verb (H6775) means "to link," "to gird," "to fasten," "to join," or figuratively, "to contrive" or "to frame." It evokes the imagery of a craftsman or builder meticulously constructing or fabricating something. Thus, "thy tongue frameth deceit" suggests not merely speaking a lie, but actively devising, manufacturing, and perfecting falsehoods. It points to a premeditated, artful, and skillful construction of deception, indicating a heart that is deeply invested in creating and propagating untruths.
* **deceit (Hebrew, _mirmâh'_):** This noun (H4820) refers to "fraud," "craft," "deceit," "falsehood," "guile," or "treachery." It signifies not just a simple untruth, but a calculated and often malicious misrepresentation intended to mislead, betray, or harm. When combined with "frameth," it emphasizes the insidious, carefully crafted, and treacherous nature of the falsehoods being produced by the tongue, highlighting the deep moral corruption behind such speech.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou givest thy mouth to evil":** This clause directly accuses the individual of a deliberate and voluntary act of surrender. The "mouth," as the primary organ of speech, is willingly "given over" or "let loose" to engage in "evil" (Hebrew _raʻ_, H7451), which encompasses moral wickedness, harm, and mischief. This implies that the words spoken are not accidental or thoughtless, but are intentionally directed towards wicked ends, whether it be slander, gossip, false witness, or other forms of harmful communication. It highlights a conscious choice to employ one's speech for purposes contrary to God's character and commands, revealing an inner disposition aligned with corruption.
* **"and thy tongue frameth deceit":** This second clause intensifies the accusation, focusing on the "tongue" as the specific instrument of speech and the precise nature of the sin as "deceit." The verb "frameth" (Hebrew _tsâmad_) paints a vivid picture of the tongue actively constructing or fabricating falsehoods, much like a builder constructs a wall or a craftsman contrives a device. This is not a spontaneous lie, but a carefully devised, premeditated, and artful creation of deception. It speaks to a heart that is not merely prone to error, but one that actively schemes, perfects, and propagates untruths, indicating a deep-seated and intentional moral corruption.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 50:19 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine indictment with striking clarity. **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, is evident in the two clauses: "Thou givest thy mouth to evil" and "thy tongue frameth deceit." Both clauses express a similar core idea—the misuse of speech for wicked purposes—but use different yet reinforcing imagery and vocabulary to intensify the message and provide a fuller scope of the sin. The "mouth" and "tongue" function as **metonymy** for the entire person's speech and, by extension, their inner disposition and character. The most striking device is the vivid **imagery** conveyed by the verb "frameth" (Hebrew _tsâmad_). This word evokes the concrete image of a craftsman building, fabricating, or contriving, transforming the abstract concept of lying into a tangible, deliberate act of construction. This imagery powerfully highlights the premeditated, skillful, and artful nature of the deceit, suggesting that the individual is not merely uttering falsehoods but is actively manufacturing and perfecting them. The direct address "Thou" creates a powerful sense of immediate **accusation** and **indictment**, placing the individual directly before God's judgment seat.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the biblical emphasis on the profound significance and potential danger of human speech. The tongue, though physically small, is consistently portrayed as an incredibly potent instrument, capable of immense good or destructive evil. Theologically, it underscores that words are not morally neutral; they are a direct emanation from the heart, revealing one's true spiritual condition and moral alignment. God, who is truth and light, abhors deceit and holds individuals accountable for every word spoken, seeing through outward religious performance to the inner reality of a person's character. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that genuine faith is expressed not only in ritual but in integrity of life, including integrity of speech, which is a hallmark of true righteousness.

* [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - The Power of Life and Death in the Tongue")
* [Matthew 15:18-19](/matthew/15-18-19 "Matthew 15:18-19 - What Defiles a Person")
* [James 3:6-8](/james/3-6-8 "James 3:6-8 - The Destructive Power of the Tongue")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 50:19 serves as a stark and convicting mirror, compelling us to examine the nature and intent behind our own words. In an age saturated with information, instant communication, and often anonymous online interactions, the temptation to engage in gossip, slander, exaggeration, misrepresentation, or outright falsehood is ever-present. This verse reminds us that God is not distant from our daily conversations; He hears and judges every utterance, for our words are not merely sounds but powerful expressions of our inner being. True worship extends beyond Sunday services and formal rituals to encompass the integrity of our communication in all spheres of life. Our words should be instruments of truth, grace, and edification, reflecting a heart transformed by God's Spirit, rather than being surrendered to evil or used to fabricate deceit. It calls us to cultivate a profound sense of accountability for our speech, recognizing that our words have the power to build up or tear down, to bless or curse, to reveal truth or propagate lies. For those who struggle with harmful speech patterns, this verse underscores the urgent need for divine intervention and the daily discipline of inviting God to guard our mouths and hearts, aligning our speech with His truth and love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do my daily words reflect the true condition of my heart and my genuine relationship with God?**
* **Am I prone to gossip, slander, exaggeration, or subtle forms of deceit in my conversations, whether in person or online?**
* **Do I consciously "give my mouth to evil" or "frame deceit" in any aspect of my life, perhaps in professional settings, social media, or even within my family?**
* **What practical steps can I take to invite God's Spirit to sanctify my speech and ensure my words consistently bring glory to Him and blessing to others?**

### FAQ

**Why is speech so important to God, as highlighted in this verse?**

Answer: Speech is profoundly important to God because it is a direct outflow and powerful indicator of the heart's condition. As Jesus taught in [Matthew 12:34](/matthew/12-34 "Matthew 12:34 - Out of the Abundance of the Heart the Mouth Speaks"), "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Our words reveal our true character, our values, our intentions, and our relationship with truth. God, who is perfectly truthful and righteous, abhors deceit and wickedness in communication because it directly contradicts His nature and damages human relationships, which are meant to reflect His image. Furthermore, speech has immense power to create or destroy, to bless or curse, and God holds us accountable for how we wield this power, viewing it as a direct reflection of our inner spiritual state.

**What does "frameth deceit" imply about the nature of sin, beyond just telling a lie?**

Answer: The phrase "frameth deceit" (from the Hebrew _tsâmad_) implies a much deeper and more insidious level of sin than a simple, spontaneous lie. It suggests premeditation, artfulness, and a deliberate construction or fabrication of falsehoods. It's not an accidental slip of the tongue, but a calculated act of manufacturing or perfecting untruths, much like a craftsman builds something with skill and intent. This indicates a heart that is not merely prone to error, but one that actively devises, perfects, and propagates deception. It points to a deep-seated moral corruption where the individual is invested in creating and maintaining a false reality, often to manipulate, harm, or conceal their own wickedness, demonstrating a profound lack of integrity.

**How does this verse relate to the broader theme of hypocrisy in Psalm 50?**

Answer: This verse is central to the theme of hypocrisy in Psalm 50. The psalm indicts those who present an outward show of religious devotion—offering sacrifices and participating in rituals—while their inner lives and actions, particularly their speech, betray a profound lack of genuine obedience and moral integrity. "Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit" exposes the core of their hypocrisy: their words, which should be instruments of truth and praise, are instead used for wickedness and falsehood. This demonstrates that their outward religious acts are empty because their hearts are unaligned with God's truth, proving that God looks beyond the external performance to the true condition of the heart, as revealed by their corrupt speech and actions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 50:19, with its sharp indictment of the mouth given to evil and the tongue framing deceit, finds its ultimate contrast and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalm condemns those whose words betray their corrupt hearts, Jesus is revealed as the very embodiment of truth, whose mouth never gave itself to evil and whose tongue never framed deceit. He is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), whose every utterance was pure, life-giving, and true, speaking with unparalleled authority and grace. He consistently exposed the hypocrisy of those who spoke deceitfully, particularly the religious leaders of His day, as powerfully demonstrated in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Jesus Denounces the Scribes and Pharisees"). Furthermore, Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross not only provides forgiveness for the sin of the tongue but also empowers His followers to speak a new language—the language of truth, grace, and love. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are enabled to put off the old self with its deceitful practices and to speak truth to one another, building up the body of Christ (as exhorted in [Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Put Away Falsehood")). In Christ, the destructive power of the tongue is redeemed, transformed into an instrument for God's glory and the edification of others, fulfilling the call to integrity of speech that Psalm 50:19 so starkly demands.

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

Psalms 10:7

His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue [is] mischief and vanity.

Psalms 52:2

Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

Psalms 52:4

Thou lovest all devouring words, O [thou] deceitful tongue.

Jeremiah 9:5

And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, [and] weary themselves to commit iniquity.

Psalms 55:21

[The words] of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war [was] in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet [were] they drawn swords.

Revelation 21:8

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Psalms 12:2

They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: [with] flattering lips [and] with a double heart do they speak.