Psalms 31:18
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 31:18
18 Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
Chapter Context
Psalms 31 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, prayer, creation. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-24: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 31:18
18 Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
Analysis
Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. Prayer for divine action against slanderers, targeting their speech—weapon used against God's people. This imprecatory request reveals seriousness of false witness and slander in God's moral economy.
Let the lying lips be put to silence continues verse 17's theme. Hebrew 'illem means to be dumb, speechless, unable to speak. David prays that instrument of harm—lying tongue—be removed or restrained. This isn't primarily about punishing persons but stopping damage false speech inflicts. Reformed theology recognizes ninth commandment's protection of reputation and truth.
Which speak grievous things (Hebrew 'athaq—arrogant, harsh, hard things) aren't minor exaggerations but vicious slanders, devastating lies. Content of speech matters to God. James calls tongue a fire, world of iniquity (James 3:6). Grievous words destroy reputations, communities, lives.
Proudly and contemptuously identifies attitude. Pride (ga'avah) is arrogant self-exaltation; contempt (buz) is scorn and disdain. Lying lips deliberately and arrogantly assault others. Against the righteous reveals target. These lies aim at righteous (tsaddiq), those in right relationship with God. World always resents God's people (John 15:18-19). Christ experienced this supremely—lied about, slandered by lying lips seeking His death.
Historical Context
Ninth commandment (Exodus 20:16) explicitly prohibits false witness. In Israel's legal system, false testimony was punished severely—false witness received punishment their lie would have brought on accused (Deuteronomy 19:16-21).
Lying lips destroyed many biblical figures. Jezebel's false witnesses murdered Naboth (1 Kings 21). False witnesses sought Jesus' death (Matthew 26:59-61). Stephen was martyred on false charges (Acts 6:13). Reformers emphasized ninth commandment's positive requirements—not merely avoiding lies but actively protecting and promoting others' reputations.
Reflection
- How does persistent slander damage individuals and communities, and why is this serious sin?
- Is it appropriate to pray imprecatory prayers asking God to silence those who spread lies?
- How can believers guard their tongues from becoming lying lips that speak contemptuously?
- What is relationship between pride and lying? Why do proud particularly engage in false speech?
- How does Christ's experience of false witness provide comfort for believers who are slandered?
Word Studies
- Righteous: צַדִּיק (Tzaddik) H6662 - Righteous one
Cross-References
- Righteousness: Isaiah 54:17
- Parallel theme: Psalms 94:4, 1 Samuel 2:3, Matthew 12:24, John 8:44, 8:48, Acts 25:7