The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just saying good people say wise things; it highlights that their very words are grounded in divine wisdom and justice, flowing from a heart where God's law resides. Their speech isn't just insightful; it's a reflection of God's own truth, making their counsel and pronouncements carry His authority.
The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Here in Psalm 37, the Psalmist is contrasting the ways of the wicked with the righteous, showing how God blesses those who are faithful. This verse appears after assurances that God protects the righteous and that they will ultimately inherit the land, setting up a description of what true righteousness looks and sounds like. It’s followed by the even deeper truth that the law of God resides in their hearts, which then guides their steps.
Ever notice how some people just seem to 'get it' when they speak? Their words carry weight, wisdom, and a sense of rightness. This verse points to the source of that kind of speech.
This verse highlights that what comes out of a righteous person's mouth isn't just random chatter; it flows from a transformed inner life. It's about a deep connection between thought and speech.
The Heart's Treasure
Jesus himself said, 'The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good things...' (Matthew 12:35). This verse in Psalms echoes that idea. For the righteous, their 'mouth speaks wisdom' and their 'tongue speaks justice' because their heart is filled with God's ways.
Wisdom and Justice in Action
The Bible doesn't shy away from talking about the power of our words. What does it mean for the 'righteous' to speak wisdom and justice, and why does it matter?
Ask a follow-up
The verse emphasizes not just what the righteous speak, but how they speak – freely and habitually. This isn't about forced pronouncements, but a natural outflow of their relationship with God.
A Continuous Flow
Commentators note that the language used suggests a customary and heartfelt way of speaking. It's not a performance but a reflection of an inner reality. This wisdom and sense of justice are not just occasional thoughts but are consistently present.
The Foundation: God's Law
Calvin points out that this outward speech is rooted in an inward reality: 'The law of his God is in his heart.' When God's truth is deeply ingrained, it naturally shapes our understanding and influences how we communicate about life, truth, and what is right.
Understand the original words
chokmah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to divine insight, practical discernment, and the ability to live in a way that is pleasing to God. It is the application of truth to life and behavior.
This verse directly parallels the idea that the righteous speak wisdom, echoing the sentiment that their words are a source of divine guidance and instruction, much like the teaching found in Proverbs.
Matthew 12:34-35Jesus' words here highlight that what a person says flows from the abundance of their heart. This connects to Psalm 37:30 by showing that the wisdom and justice spoken by the righteous are evidence of a transformed inner life, where God's truth resides.
Colossians 4:6This passage instructs believers that their speech should always be gracious and seasoned with salt, implying wisdom. It reinforces the idea that righteous speech isn't just about content, but also about a discerning and fitting manner of delivery, as described in the Psalm.
1 Peter 3:15This verse calls Christians to be ready to give an account for the hope they have, doing so with gentleness and respect. It links righteous speech to a defense of faith, grounded in wisdom and a commitment to justice, as the Psalm describes.
poolePsalms 37:30: "The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment."
Speaketh; and that freely, and customarily, and from his heart, as the next verse shows. Having showed in divers verses God’s singular care over and respect to the righteous, he proceeds to give a character of them, and withal to assign one reason of the great difference of God’s dealings with them and with other men. Wisdom and judgment ; either, 1. For the manner of it, with wisdom and judgment. Or…
calvinPsalms 37:30-33: "The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment."
- The mouth of the righteous will speak wisdom, and his tongue will utter judgment. 31. The law of his God is in his heart: his steps shall not slide. 32. The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. 33. Jehovah will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.
30 The mouth of the righteous will speak wisdom As it is customary with hypocrites confidently to draw…
This verse isn't just saying good people say wise things; it highlights that their very words are grounded in divine wisdom and justice, flowing from a heart where God's law resides. Their speech isn't just insightful; it's a reflection of God's own truth, making their counsel and pronouncements carry His authority.
Here in Psalm 37, the Psalmist is contrasting the ways of the wicked with the righteous, showing how God blesses those who are faithful. This verse appears after assurances that God protects the righteous and that they will ultimately inherit the land, setting up a description of what true righteousness looks and sounds like. It’s followed by the even deeper truth that the law of God resides in their hearts, which then guides their steps.
Here in Psalm 37, the Psalmist is contrasting the ways of the wicked with the righteous, showing how God blesses those who are faithful. This verse appears after assurances that God protects the righteous and that they will ultimately inherit the land, setting up a description of what true righteousness looks and sounds like. It’s followed by the even deeper truth that the law of God resides in their hearts, which then guides their steps.
"The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice." — This verse isn't just saying good people say wise things; it highlights that their very words are grounded in divine wisdom and justice, flowing from a heart where God's law resides. Their speech i…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026