Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version You who practice deceit, your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor. New Living Translation All day long you plot destruction. Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor; you’re an expert at telling lies. English Standard Version Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, you worker of deceit. Berean Standard Bible Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. King James Bible Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp rasor, working deceitfully. New King James Version Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. New American Standard Bible Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, you worker of deceit. NASB 1995 Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, O worker of deceit. NASB 1977 Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, O worker of deceit. Legacy Standard Bible Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, O worker of deceit. Amplified Bible Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Christian Standard Bible Like a sharpened razor, your tongue devises destruction, working treachery. Holman Christian Standard Bible Like a sharpened razor, your tongue devises destruction, working treachery. American Standard Version Thy tongue deviseth very wickedness, Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Contemporary English Version You plan brutal crimes, and your lying words cut like a sharp razor. English Revised Version Thy tongue deviseth very wickedness; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. GOD'S WORD® Translation Your tongue makes up threats. It's like a sharp razor, you master of deceit. Good News Translation You make plans to ruin others; your tongue is like a sharp razor. You are always inventing lies. International Standard Version Your tongue, like a sharp razor, devises wicked things and crafts treachery. NET Bible Your tongue carries out your destructive plans; it is as effective as a sharp razor, O deceiver. New Heart English Bible Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Webster's Bible Translation Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleYour tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. World English Bible Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionYour tongue devises mischiefs, "" Like a sharp razor, working deceit. Young's Literal Translation Mischiefs doth thy tongue devise, Like a sharp razor, working deceit. Smith's Literal Translation Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAll the day long thy tongue hath devised injustice: as a sharp razor, thou hast wrought deceit. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible All day long you are thinking up intrigues; your tongue is like a sharpened razor, you worker of deceit. New Revised Standard Version you are plotting destruction. Your tongue is like a sharp razor, you worker of treachery. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIt is like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Your tongue conceives evil and, like a sharpened razor, you have worked deceit. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Thy tongue deviseth destruction; Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Brenton Septuagint Translation thy tongue has devised unrighteousness; like a sharpened razor thou hast wrought deceit. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Why Do You Boast of Evil?1For the choirmaster. A Maskil of David. After Doeg the Edomite went to Saul and told him, “David has gone to the house of Ahimelech.” Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The loving devotion of God endures all day long. 2Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. 3You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah… Cross References James 3:6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. Proverbs 12:18 Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 18:21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. James 3:8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. Psalm 5:9 For not a word they speak can be trusted; destruction lies within them. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. Romans 3:13 “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips.” Proverbs 10:31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out. Proverbs 15:4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. Matthew 12:34-37 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. / But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. ... Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. Psalm 57:4 My soul is among the lions; I lie down with ravenous beasts—with men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. Psalm 64:3 who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, Psalm 140:3 They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah Proverbs 6:16-19 There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: / haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, / a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, ... Jeremiah 9:3 “They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD. Treasury of Scripture The tongue devises mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Thy Psalm 50:19 Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit. Psalm 64:2-6 Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity: … Psalm 140:2,3 Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war… like Psalm 57:4 My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. Psalm 59:7 Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear? Proverbs 12:18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. working Psalm 109:2 For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue. Psalm 120:2 Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue. 2 Corinthians 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. Jump to Previous Blade Deceit Deceitfully Destruction Devises Deviseth Mischiefs Mischievous Plots Plotting Practice Practising Purposing Razor Sharp Sharpened Tongue Treachery Using Wickedness Worker WorkingJump to Next Blade Deceit Deceitfully Destruction Devises Deviseth Mischiefs Mischievous Plots Plotting Practice Practising Purposing Razor Sharp Sharpened Tongue Treachery Using Wickedness Worker WorkingPsalm 52 1. David, condemning the spitefulness of Doeg, prophesies his destruction6. The righteous shall rejoice at it 8. David, upon his confidence in God's mercy, gives thanks Your tongue devises destruction This phrase highlights the power of words and their potential to cause harm. In biblical context, the tongue is often seen as a symbol of one's speech and intentions. Proverbs 18:21 states, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue," emphasizing the significant impact words can have. The imagery of devising destruction suggests intentionality and premeditation, indicating that the speaker's words are not accidental but purposefully harmful. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of the heart's condition being reflected in one's speech, as seen in Matthew 12:34, where Jesus says, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." like a sharpened razor O worker of deceit Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 52, David wrote this psalm in response to the treachery of Doeg the Edomite, who betrayed him to King Saul. 2. Doeg the Edomite A servant of King Saul who informed Saul of David's visit to Ahimelech the priest, leading to the massacre of the priests at Nob. 3. King Saul The first king of Israel, who was in pursuit of David, seeing him as a threat to his throne. 4. Ahimelech the Priest The priest who assisted David, unaware of the conflict between David and Saul, and was subsequently killed by Saul's order. 5. Nob The city of priests where Ahimelech resided and where the massacre took place. Teaching Points The Power of WordsOur words have the power to build up or destroy. Like a sharpened razor, deceitful speech can cause deep harm. We must be mindful of our words and strive to speak truth and life. Guarding Against Deceit Deceit is a tool of destruction. As Christians, we are called to live in truth and integrity, avoiding deceit in all its forms. Accountability for Speech We are accountable to God for our words. It is crucial to reflect on the impact of our speech and seek forgiveness and transformation where needed. The Consequences of Betrayal The account of Doeg reminds us of the severe consequences of betrayal and the importance of loyalty and faithfulness in our relationships. Seeking God's Justice In the face of deceit and betrayal, we can trust in God's justice and righteousness, knowing that He sees and will act in His perfect timing. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 52:2?2. How does Psalm 52:2 describe the power of words for good or evil? 3. What can we learn about the tongue's impact from Psalm 52:2? 4. How does James 3:6 relate to the message in Psalm 52:2? 5. How can we guard our words to align with biblical teachings in Psalm 52:2? 6. What practical steps can we take to avoid deceitful speech as warned here? 7. How does Psalm 52:2 challenge our understanding of the power of words? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 52:2? 9. How does Psalm 52:2 reflect the theme of deceit in the Bible? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 52? 11. Psalm 120:2-3 - Is there archaeological or textual evidence that consistently attributes judgment on 'deceitful tongues' in this manner? 12. Psalm 52:3-4 implies a swift downfall for those who love lies; where is the historical evidence supporting this immediate judgment? 13. Psalm 15:2-3 demands complete truthfulness and no slander; how do we reconcile this with instances of approved deceit (e.g., Rahab in Joshua 2)? 14. What does the Bible say about verbal abuse? What Does Psalm 52:2 Mean Your tongue devises destruction“Your tongue devises destruction …” (Psalm 52:2) • The verse opens by portraying speech as a deliberate tool for harm, not an accidental slip (James 3:5-6; Proverbs 18:21). • “Devises” points to calculated plotting—hearts set on ruining reputations, relationships, even lives (Psalm 57:4; Jeremiah 9:3-4). • God’s word consistently links evil speech with inner corruption; what proceeds from the mouth reveals the heart’s intent (Matthew 12:34-37; Proverbs 12:18). like a sharpened razor “… like a sharpened razor …” (Psalm 52:2) • A razor suggests precision and speed: cutting words slice deeply and swiftly (Proverbs 25:18; Psalm 55:21). • Sharpened tools require maintenance; similarly, the wicked refine their tactics, honing lies for maximum effect (Romans 16:18; Micah 6:12). • Scripture warns that unchecked tongues can wound more than physical weapons (Proverbs 15:4; Ephesians 4:29), underscoring the need for self-control and Spirit-filled speech (Colossians 4:6). O worker of deceit “… O worker of deceit.” (Psalm 52:2) • The phrase identifies the speaker’s character: deceit is not occasional but habitual (Psalm 36:3-4; 10:7). • God exposes and judges those who manipulate truth, standing opposed to them while defending the upright (Proverbs 12:22; Revelation 21:8). • The contrast with the “worker of righteousness” (1 John 3:7) invites self-examination: are our words serving truth or fostering deception? summary Psalm 52:2 spotlights the destructive power of malicious speech. It pictures a person who carefully crafts harmful words, wields them with razor-like precision, and lives in ongoing deceit. God calls His people to the opposite path—truthful, edifying, grace-filled speech that reflects a transformed heart and honors Him. (2) Working deceitfully.--Better, working guile. (For the metaphor, see Psalm 55:21; Psalm 57:4, &c)Verse 2. - Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; or, malignities - evils of the worst kind. It was Doeg's "tongue" that brought about the entire ghastly massacre (see 1 Samuel 22:9, 10). Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Doeg had "worked deceitfully," since he had not told Saul the circumstances that made Ahimelech's giving aid to David no disloyalty to the king (1 Samuel 21:2, 8). The suppressio veri is a suggestio falsi.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Your tongueלְשׁוֹנֶ֑ךָ (lə·šō·w·ne·ḵā) Noun - common singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 3956: The tongue devises תַּחְשֹׁ֣ב (taḥ·šōḇ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 2803: To think, account destruction הַ֭וּוֹת (haw·wō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 1942: Desire, chasm, destruction like a sharpened מְ֝לֻטָּ֗שׁ (mə·luṭ·ṭāš) Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3913: To hammer out, to sharpen razor, כְּתַ֥עַר (kə·ṯa·‘ar) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8593: A knife, razor, a scabbard O worker עֹשֵׂ֥ה (‘ō·śêh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct Strong's 6213: To do, make of deceit. רְמִיָּֽה׃ (rə·mî·yāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 7423: Remissness, treachery Links Psalm 52:2 NIVPsalm 52:2 NLT Psalm 52:2 ESV Psalm 52:2 NASB Psalm 52:2 KJV Psalm 52:2 BibleApps.com Psalm 52:2 Biblia Paralela Psalm 52:2 Chinese Bible Psalm 52:2 French Bible Psalm 52:2 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Psalm 52:2 Your tongue plots destruction like a sharp (Psalm Ps Psa.) |
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