His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression; under his tongue are mischief and iniquity.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse describes the wicked person's speech as a hidden poison: "under his tongue are mischief and iniquity" suggests that their words, like a serpent's venom, are concealed beneath a seemingly harmless exterior, ready to strike and cause destruction. This imagery highlights how subtle deception and malicious intent can lie just beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary conversation.
His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression; under his tongue are mischief and iniquity.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of a larger lament about the wicked who oppress the vulnerable. The Psalmist describes the deep-seated malice and deceit within such individuals, detailing how their words and thoughts are constantly filled with schemes to harm others. This isn't just about outward actions; it's about the inner corruption that fuels their destructive behavior towards the innocent and the poor.
The verse paints a vivid picture of someone whose words aren't just careless or rude. They are actively destructive. What does this tell us about the power of speech?
Psalm 10:7 describes the wicked person's speech as "cursing and deceit and oppression," with "mischief and iniquity" hidden "under his tongue." This isn't about casual profanity; it's about words weaponized for harm.
The imagery of something hidden "under the tongue" is striking. What ancient, powerful symbol does this evoke, and what does it reveal about the wicked person's motives?
The phrase "under his tongue are mischief and iniquity" often evokes the image of a serpent. Serpents are known for their hidden venom, stored in fangs that lie close to the tongue, ready to strike unexpectedly.
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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.
This psalm likely reflects the profound social and spiritual crisis of the post-exilic community, where the memory of past oppression and the reality of ongoing wickedness fueled laments and calls for divine intervention.
c. 1000 BC
United Monarchy of Israel
The period when the united kingdom of Israel, under kings like David and Solomon, represented a high point of national power and religious devotion.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united monarchy split into two kingdoms: Israel in the north and Judah in the south, leading to increased political instability and religious compromise.
c. 8th century BC
Prophetic Warnings
Prophets like Amos and Hosea decried the social injustice, corruption, and idolatry rampant in both Israel and Judah, warning of impending judgment.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria to Assyria
The northern kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrian Empire, its people were exiled, and its distinct identity largely lost.
c. 597-586 BC
Babylonian Exile
The southern kingdom of Judah experienced multiple deportations to Babylon, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Edict
The Persian king Cyrus allowed exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple, marking the end of the Babylonian exile.
Post-Exilic Period (c. 5th-4th century BC)— this verse
Reconstruction and Spiritual Renewal
The period after the return from exile, marked by efforts to rebuild Jerusalem, re-establish worship, and reaffirm faithfulness to God's Law amidst ongoing challenges.
Paul directly quotes this verse, along with others, to illustrate the pervasive sinfulness and corrupt speech that characterizes humanity apart from God.
Jeremiah 9:3-5This passage parallels the psalmist's description by highlighting how people use their tongues for deceit and dishonesty, refusing to know God and instead practicing falsehood.
Proverbs 10:11This proverb contrasts the destructive words of the wicked, described similarly to the psalm, with the life-giving words of the righteous.
James 3:8-10James speaks about the untamable nature of the tongue, echoing the psalm's depiction of how speech can be a source of corruption, deceit, and harm.
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 describes the wicked person's speech as a hidden poison: "under his tongue are mischief and iniquity" suggests that their words, like a serpent's venom, are concealed beneath a seemingly harmless exterior, ready to strike and cause destruction. This imagery highlights how subtle deception and malicious intent can lie just beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary conversation.
This verse is part of a larger lament about the wicked who oppress the vulnerable. The Psalmist describes the deep-seated malice and deceit within such individuals, detailing how their words and thoughts are constantly filled with schemes to harm others. This isn't just about outward actions; it's about the inner corruption that fuels their destructive behavior towards the innocent and the poor.
This verse is part of a larger lament about the wicked who oppress the vulnerable. The Psalmist describes the deep-seated malice and deceit within such individuals, detailing how their words and thoughts are constantly filled with schemes to harm others. This isn't just about outward actions; it's about the inner corruption that fuels their destructive behavior towards the innocent and the poor.
"His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression; under his tongue are mischief and iniquity." — The verse describes the wicked person's speech as a hidden poison: "under his tongue are mischief and iniquity" suggests that their words, like a serpent's venom, are concealed beneath a seemingly ha…
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Last reviewed October 2026