What other scriptures warn against deceitful tongues like in Psalm 120:4? The Sting in Psalm 120:4 “Sharp arrows from the warrior, with burning coals of the broom tree!” (Psalm 120:4) The psalmist pictures God’s judgment targeting every deceit-filled tongue. Scripture repeats this warning again and again—both to expose the danger and to draw us toward truth. Old-Testament Echoes “There are six things that the LORD hates… a lying tongue…” “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.” “Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.” “A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth causes ruin.” “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceit.” “Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit… You love all words that devour, O deceitful tongue.” “They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah” “They bend their tongues like bows; lies, not truth, prevail in the land… They have taught their tongues to speak lies…” “Its residents speak lies, and their tongues are deceitful in their mouths.” “The remnant of Israel…will speak no lies, nor will a deceitful tongue be found in their mouths.” New-Testament Reinforcement “Men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word…” “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit… Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor…” “Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices.” “If anyone…does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.” • James 3:5-6, 9-10 “The tongue is a fire… With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men… My brothers, this should not be!” “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.” “…all liars—their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur.” Why God Speaks So Strongly • Deceit reflects Satan’s nature (John 8:44). • Lies fracture relationships and nations (Jeremiah 9). • Truth reveals God’s character (Numbers 23:19; John 14:6). • Judgment awaits unrepentant liars (Psalm 120:4; Revelation 21:8). Living It Out 1. Examine speech daily (Psalm 139:23-24). 2. Replace falsehood with truth (Ephesians 4:25). 3. Let the Spirit bridle the tongue (Galatians 5:16). 4. Cultivate words that build up (Proverbs 12:18; Ephesians 4:29). |
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