Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords. New Living Translation His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers! English Standard Version His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. Berean Standard Bible His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed. King James Bible The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords. New King James Version The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, But war was in his heart; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. New American Standard Bible His speech was smoother than butter, But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. NASB 1995 His speech was smoother than butter, But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. NASB 1977 His speech was smoother than butter, But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. Legacy Standard Bible His speech was smoother than butter, But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. Amplified Bible The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, But his heart was hostile; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. Christian Standard Bible His buttery words are smooth, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, but they are drawn swords. Holman Christian Standard Bible His buttery words are smooth, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, but they are drawn swords. American Standard Version His mouth was smooth as butter, But his heart was war: His words were softer than oil, Yet were they drawn swords. Contemporary English Version His words were smoother than butter, and softer than olive oil. But hatred filled his heart, and he was ready to attack with a sword. English Revised Version His mouth was smooth as butter, but his heart was war: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords. GOD'S WORD® Translation His speech is smoother than butter, but there is war in his heart. His words are more soothing than oil, but they are like swords ready to attack. Good News Translation His words were smoother than cream, but there was hatred in his heart; his words were as soothing as oil, but they cut like sharp swords. International Standard Version His mouth is as smooth as butter, while war is in his heart. His words were as smooth as olive oil, while his sword is drawn. NET Bible His words are as smooth as butter, but he harbors animosity in his heart. His words seem softer than oil, but they are really like sharp swords. New Heart English Bible His mouth was smooth as butter, but his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. Webster's Bible Translation The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHis speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed. World English Bible His mouth was smooth as butter, but his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionHis mouth has been sweeter than honey, "" And his heart [is] war! His words have been softer than oil, "" And they [are] drawn [swords]. Young's Literal Translation Sweeter than honey hath been his mouth, And his heart is war! Softer have been his words than oil, And they are drawn swords. Smith's Literal Translation They were divided from the wrath of his mouth, and his heart drew near: his words were soft above oil, and they drawn swords. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims Biblethey are divided by the wrath Of his countenance, and his heart hath drawn near. His words are smoother than oil, and the same are darts. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible Softer than butter is his speech, but war is in his heart. Smoother than oil are his words, but they are unsheathed swords. New Revised Standard Version with speech smoother than butter, but with a heart set on war; with words that were softer than oil, but in fact were drawn swords. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThey were afraid because of the anger in his countenance and the wrath in his heart; his words were smoother than butter, yet were they sharp like the point of a spear. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated They were troubled by the passion of his Person and by the anger of his heart; his words were softer than oil and effective as spearheads. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Smoother than cream were the speeches of his mouth, But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, Yet were they keen-edged swords. Brenton Septuagint Translation They were scattered at the anger of his countenance, and his heart drew nigh them. His words were smoother than oil, yet are they darts. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Cast Your Burden upon the LORD…20My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. 21His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed. 22Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.… Cross References Proverbs 5:3-4 Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil, / in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword. Proverbs 26:24-25 A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. / When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. Jeremiah 9:8 Their tongues are deadly arrows; they speak deception. With his mouth a man speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a trap for him. Proverbs 12:18 Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 10:18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. Proverbs 29:5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. Matthew 26:48-49 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. Matthew 23:27-28 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. / In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. Romans 16:18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. James 3:8-10 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. / With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. / Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be! 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions. Psalm 28:3 Do not drag me away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors while malice is in their hearts. Psalm 62:4 They fully intend to cast him down from his lofty perch; they delight in lies; with their mouths they bless, but inwardly they curse. Selah Isaiah 30:10 They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions. Ezekiel 33:31 So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain. Treasury of Scripture The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords. The words Psalm 28:3 Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts. 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 62:4 They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. war John 13:2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; Jump to Previous Butter Cream Drawn Heart Honey Keen-Edged Mouth Oil Sharp Smooth Smoother Soothing Speech Speeches Sweeter Swords War WordsJump to Next Butter Cream Drawn Heart Honey Keen-Edged Mouth Oil Sharp Smooth Smoother Soothing Speech Speeches Sweeter Swords War WordsPsalm 55 1. David in his prayer complains of his fearful case9. He prays against his enemies, of whose wickedness and treachery he complains 16. He comforts himself in God's preservation oh him, and confusion of his enemies His speech is smooth as butter This phrase highlights the deceptive nature of the speaker's words. In biblical times, butter was a luxury, symbolizing richness and smoothness. The imagery suggests a facade of kindness and gentleness. This can be compared to Proverbs 5:3, where the lips of an adulterous woman drip honey, indicating deceit. The smooth speech is a tool for manipulation, reminiscent of the serpent's words to Eve in Genesis 3, which were cunning and misleading. but war is in his heart His words are softer than oil yet they are swords unsheathed Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 55, David is expressing his anguish over betrayal by a close companion. 2. Jerusalem The setting of many of David's psalms, often representing a place of both divine presence and human conflict. 3. Betrayal The central event in this psalm, where David feels deceived by someone he trusted, reflecting a broader theme of treachery. 4. Enemies Those who oppose David, often characterized by deceitful and malicious intentions. 5. God The ultimate refuge and source of justice for David amidst his trials. Teaching Points The Deceptive Nature of WordsWords can be used to manipulate and deceive, appearing gentle while hiding harmful intentions. Believers should be discerning and seek wisdom to recognize such deceit. The Reality of Betrayal Even those closest to us can betray us. This reality should drive us to place our ultimate trust in God, who is faithful and just. Guarding Our Own Speech As followers of Christ, we are called to ensure our words align with our hearts, promoting peace and truth rather than deceit and harm. Seeking Refuge in God In times of betrayal and conflict, God remains our steadfast refuge. We should turn to Him for comfort and justice. The Power of Forgiveness While betrayal is painful, believers are called to forgive as Christ forgave, trusting God to handle justice. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 55:21?2. How does Psalm 55:21 warn us about deceitful speech in relationships? 3. What can we learn from Psalm 55:21 about the nature of betrayal? 4. How does Psalm 55:21 connect with Proverbs 26:24-26 on hidden malice? 5. How should Psalm 55:21 influence our discernment of others' intentions? 6. How can we apply Psalm 55:21 to guard against deceit in our lives? 7. How does Psalm 55:21 reflect the nature of deceit in human relationships? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 55:21? 9. How does Psalm 55:21 challenge our understanding of trust and betrayal? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 55? 11. Who are the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse? 12. Does the deliverance from death proclaimed in Psalm 56:13 contradict other biblical accounts of faithful figures who died tragically? 13. In Job 5:9, does the claim of God performing countless marvels conflict with documented miracles (or lack thereof) in other biblical texts? 14. What does wormwood symbolize in Revelation? What Does Psalm 55:21 Mean His speech is smooth as butterThe psalmist paints a picture of someone whose words sound charming and comforting. On the surface, everything seems friendly and harmless. • Such flattery resembles the seduction described in Proverbs 5:3–4, where “the lips of an adulterous woman drip honey, but her end is bitter as wormwood.” • Jesus warned of leaders who “come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15). • Paul also cautioned, “By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive” (Romans 16:18). The emphasis is that pleasant speech alone is not proof of a righteous heart. but war is in his heart Behind the silky words lies hostility and intent to harm. • Psalm 28:3 speaks of those “who speak peace with their neighbors while evil is in their hearts.” • Jeremiah faced “friends” who waited for him to stumble (Jeremiah 18:18). • James points out that envy and selfish ambition inside a person produce “disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:14–16). The verse exposes the contrast between the speaker’s outward charm and inner aggression, urging discernment. His words are softer than oil Oil was a symbol of soothing and healing, so the comparison stresses how gentle and reassuring the conversation appears. • Proverbs 26:23 warns of “fervent lips with an evil heart” likened to earthenware covered with silver dross—attractive but deceptive. • Ezekiel 33:31 describes people who “listen to your words but do not put them into practice; their mouths speak loving words, but their hearts pursue dishonest gain.” • Paul’s reminder in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 to “test all things” applies: nice-sounding words must be weighed against godly truth. yet they are swords unsheathed The pleasant words hide weapons ready to strike. • Psalm 57:4 compares tongues to “sharp spears and arrows.” • In Psalm 64:3 enemies “sharpen their tongues like swords.” • Hebrews 4:12 contrasts God’s Word—“sharper than any double-edged sword”—with the destructive verbal weapons of the wicked; God’s sword heals and judges, theirs wounds. The imagery reminds believers that verbal deceit can be as deadly as physical violence. summary Psalm 55:21 exposes the danger of charming speech coming from a treacherous heart. While words may flow like butter or oil—smooth, soft, and reassuring—the true intention can be warfare, with sentences acting like unsheathed swords. Scripture repeatedly warns that outward niceness is no guarantee of inward righteousness. Discernment comes from measuring every word and motive against the unchanging truth of God’s Word, trusting Him to reveal what lies beneath the surface. (21) The words of his mouth.--The ancient versions and the grammatical anomalies point to a corruption of the text. Read, Smoother than butter is his face. The reading face for mouth is suggested by the LXX., though their version has wandered far from the text even thus amended.Drawn swords.--The comparison of the tongue to a sword is frequent; that of the words themselves not so usual, but apt. We may compare Shakespeare's "I will speak daggers to her, but use none."--Hamlet. Verse 21. - The words of his mouth wore smoother than butter; literally, smooth were the butters of his mouth - i.e., his flattering utterances. But war was in his heart; literally, but his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords; i.e. keen, cutting - according to our own idiom, "like daggers."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew His speechפִּיו֮ (pîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to is smooth חָלְק֤וּ ׀ (ḥā·lə·qū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 2505: To be smooth, to apportion, separate as butter, מַחְמָאֹ֣ת (maḥ·mā·’ōṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 4260: Something buttery, as, flattery but war וּֽקֲרָב־ (ū·qă·rāḇ-) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7128: Hostile encounter is in his heart. לִ֫בּ֥וֹ (lib·bōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre His words דְבָרָ֥יו (ḏə·ḇā·rāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause are softer רַכּ֖וּ (rak·kū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 7401: To be tender, weak or soft than oil, מִשֶּׁ֗מֶן (miš·še·men) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8081: Grease, liquid, richness yet they are וְהֵ֣מָּה (wə·hêm·māh) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They swords unsheathed. פְתִחֽוֹת׃ (p̄ə·ṯi·ḥō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 6609: Something opened, a drawn sword Links Psalm 55:21 NIVPsalm 55:21 NLT Psalm 55:21 ESV Psalm 55:21 NASB Psalm 55:21 KJV Psalm 55:21 BibleApps.com Psalm 55:21 Biblia Paralela Psalm 55:21 Chinese Bible Psalm 55:21 French Bible Psalm 55:21 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Psalm 55:21 His mouth was smooth as butter (Psalm Ps Psa.) |
    |