What does Psalm 140:3 reveal about the nature of evil speech? Verse in Focus “They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah” (Psalm 140:3) Key Observations from Psalm 140:3 • The verse paints evil speech in two vivid pictures—sharpened tongues and venomous lips. • Both images carry a literal weight in Scripture: a sharpened blade cuts deliberately, and real viper venom is lethal. • The psalm connects words and intent: malicious speech is neither accidental nor harmless. What Evil Speech Looks Like • Deliberate Preparation – “They sharpen their tongues” indicates forethought, planning, and skill in harm (cf. Proverbs 12:18). • Hidden Lethality – Like snake fangs, hurtful words may strike suddenly and from concealment (Psalm 64:3–4). • Poisonous After-effects – Venom spreads beyond the bite; so slander, gossip, and deceit spread corruption long after the words are spoken (James 3:6). • Alignment with a Sinful Nature – Paul quotes this very imagery when describing humanity’s universal fallenness (Romans 3:13), underscoring that corrupt speech flows from an unredeemed heart (Luke 6:45). Why Evil Speech Is So Dangerous • It Destroys Life – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). Venom is fatal; so can words be to reputations, relationships, and spiritual vitality. • It Multiplies Sin – James 3:5–8 compares the tongue to “a fire” that sets “the course of one’s life on fire,” producing further evil. • It Opposes God’s Truth – Lying and deceit align with the devil, “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). Evil speech betrays allegiance. Guarding Our Own Tongues • Daily Surrender – Pray with David, “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth” (Psalm 141:3). • Fill the Heart with Truth – Meditate on Scripture; a heart brimming with God’s Word overflows with grace (Colossians 3:16). • Choose Edification – “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up” (Ephesians 4:29). • Swift Repentance – When we sin with our words, confess immediately (1 John 1:9) and make restitution where possible. Living Words That Heal Evil speech mirrors a serpent’s strike, but redeemed speech mirrors Christ, “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Speaking life, blessing, and truth counters the poison and showcases the transforming power of the gospel. |
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