Psalms 49:3
My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.
Original Language Analysis
פִּ֭י
My mouth
H6310
פִּ֭י
My mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
1 of 6
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
יְדַבֵּ֣ר
shall speak
H1696
יְדַבֵּ֣ר
shall speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
2 of 6
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
Cross References
Psalms 19:14Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.Matthew 12:35A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.Proverbs 22:17Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.Psalms 37:30The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.Psalms 119:130The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.Psalms 45:1My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.Job 33:33If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.Job 33:3My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.Deuteronomy 32:2My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:
Historical Context
Israel's wisdom tradition emphasized that true wisdom came from God and required humble, teachable hearts. The combination of wisdom and understanding appears frequently in Proverbs as the goal of wise living.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the relationship between heart meditation and wise speech?
- How does genuine wisdom differ from merely clever observations?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalmist's mouth speaks 'of wisdom' and his heart's meditation is 'of understanding.' True wisdom begins internally (heart meditation) before external expression (mouth speaking). Hebrew chokmah (wisdom) and tevunah (understanding) together indicate both practical skill and discerning insight.