Psalms 50:20

Psalm 50:20 is a powerful verse from a prophetic psalm where God, acting as a divine judge, lays bare the hypocrisy of His people. Specifically, this verse condemns the sin of the tongue, highlighting its destructive power within the community and even within the closest family bonds.

Context

Psalm 50 is often described as a "covenant lawsuit" where God addresses His people, contrasting outward religious ritual with genuine obedience and righteousness. The first part of the psalm (vv. 1-15) establishes God's majesty and His disinterest in mere animal sacrifices when the heart is far from Him. The latter part (vv. 16-23), where verse 20 resides, directly confronts the wicked or those who claim to be God's people but engage in sinful practices. God lists their transgressions, including hating instruction (Psalm 50:17) and associating with evildoers (Psalm 50:18). Verse 20 focuses on the specific sin of malicious speech, a direct violation of the covenant relationship.

Key Themes

• The Sin of Slander and Gossip: The verse directly addresses the act of speaking maliciously against others. The phrase "thou sittest [and] speakest against thy brother" implies a deliberate, perhaps even habitual, engagement in defaming others, rather than an accidental slip of the tongue. This highlights the severe spiritual damage caused by gossip and slander.
• Betrayal of Close Relationships: The intensification "thou slanderest thine own mother's son" underscores the heinous nature of the sin. It speaks to the betrayal of the most intimate and sacred bonds—those within one's own family. This makes the act not just a social offense but a deep moral failure and a breach of trust.
• God's Judgment on Hypocrisy: This verse is part of God's indictment against those who perform religious duties but live unrighteously. It reveals that God sees beyond outward appearances and judges the heart and the actions, especially those related to how we treat fellow human beings. What comes out of the mouth truly defiles a person.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Thou sittest" translates the Hebrew verb yashab (יָשַׁב), which means "to sit," "to dwell," or "to remain." In this context, it suggests a settled, deliberate, and perhaps even comfortable posture while engaging in the act of slander. It implies a premeditated or habitual pattern of behavior rather than a spontaneous outburst. The word "slanderest" captures the essence of defaming or bringing false accusations against someone, which is a serious transgression in God's law, echoing the Ninth Commandment against bearing false witness.

Practical Application

Psalm 50:20 serves as a timeless warning about the destructive power of the tongue and the importance of integrity in our speech, particularly within the Christian community and our families. It challenges us to reflect on:

• The Intent Behind Our Words: Are our criticisms and comments about others well-intended, or do they stem from malice, jealousy, or a desire to tear down?
• Protecting Relationships: Recognizing that slander carries the power of death and life, we are called to build up rather than tear down, especially those closest to us.
• Living Authentically: True worship is not just about rituals but about living a life that reflects God's character, which includes speaking truth and love. This verse reminds us that God holds us accountable for every careless word (Matthew 12:36).

This verse calls believers to exercise careful stewardship over their words, remembering that our speech profoundly impacts our relationships and reflects the condition of our hearts before God.