Psalms 10:7
His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression; under his tongue are mischief and iniquity.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that the wicked person’s seemingly harmless words conceal a deep, hidden malice, much like a serpent's venom lies under its tongue, ready to strike. This isn't just idle talk; it's a calculated deception where "mischief and iniquity" are ready for immediate use, waiting to ensnare the unsuspecting.
The Psalmist is describing the wicked oppressor who, despite outward appearances, is inwardly corrupt and actively plots harm against others. This verse reveals the deceitful and malicious nature of such individuals, setting the stage for the following verses that detail their sneaky tactics and cruel intentions, likening them to predators lying in wait to ensnare the vulnerable.
Ever felt like someone's words are sharp, cutting, and designed to harm you? This verse paints a vivid picture of that kind of destructive speech.
The psalmist uses intense imagery to describe the speech of the wicked. It's not just idle talk; it's a deliberate outpouring of:
Why compare a wicked person's speech to a serpent's hidden poison? This verse reveals a chilling strategy of spiritual warfare.
The imagery of 'under his tongue' strongly evokes the serpent. This isn't just about lying; it's about a deep, ingrained treachery:
Understand the original words
alah · Hebrew Noun
A verbal expression of ill-will or a formal wish for divine judgment upon another. In scripture, it is frequently associated with lying and malice.
mirmah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to speaking that is intentionally false or misleading. It is presented as a moral failure contrary to the truthfulness of God.
tok · Hebrew Noun
The act of using power or authority unjustly to crush or exploit others. It describes the state of being mistreated by the powerful.
aven · Hebrew Noun
A general term for moral depravity, perversity, or wickedness. It represents actions that are inconsistent with the character of God and His Law.
The apostle Paul directly quotes this passage (or a very similar ancient version of it) to demonstrate the pervasive sinfulness of all humanity, highlighting the corrupt nature of speech that stems from a wicked heart.
Proverbs 10:18This verse echoes the theme of hidden deceit, stating that hatred can be concealed by deception, mirroring the idea of malice and iniquity lurking 'under the tongue'.
Jeremiah 17:9This verse speaks to the deceitfulness of the human heart, which is the source of the corrupt speech described in Psalm 10:7, emphasizing that true wickedness is deeply ingrained.
Matthew 15:18Jesus teaches that what comes out of the mouth originates from the heart, aligning with the psalm's portrayal of the mouth's speech as a reflection of inner mischief and iniquity.
calvinPsalms 10:7-10: "His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity."
- His mouth is full of cursing, and deceit, and malice: under his tongue are mischief and iniquity. 8. He will sit in the ensnaring places of the villages; in his lurking places will he murder the innocent: his eyes will take their aim against the poor. 9. He will lie in wait secretly, as a lion in his den; he will lie in wait to catch the poor; he will catch the poor by drawing him in…
clarkePsalms 10:7: "His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity."
His mouth is full of cursing, and deceit, and fraud - What a finished character! A blasphemer, a deceitful man, and a knave!
The verse highlights that the wicked person’s seemingly harmless words conceal a deep, hidden malice, much like a serpent's venom lies under its tongue, ready to strike. This isn't just idle talk; it's a calculated deception where "mischief and iniquity" are ready for immediate use, waiting to ensnare the unsuspecting.
The Psalmist is describing the wicked oppressor who, despite outward appearances, is inwardly corrupt and actively plots harm against others. This verse reveals the deceitful and malicious nature of such individuals, setting the stage for the following verses that detail their sneaky tactics and cruel intentions, likening them to predators lying in wait to ensnare the vulnerable.
The Psalmist is describing the wicked oppressor who, despite outward appearances, is inwardly corrupt and actively plots harm against others. This verse reveals the deceitful and malicious nature of such individuals, setting the stage for the following verses that detail their sneaky tactics and cruel intentions, likening them to predators lying in wait to ensnare the vulnerable.
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"His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression; under his tongue are mischief and iniquity." — The verse highlights that the wicked person’s seemingly harmless words conceal a deep, hidden malice, much like a serpent's venom lies under its tongue, ready to strike. This isn't just idle talk; it…
