What does Psalm 59:7 teach about the consequences of malicious speech? Opening the Verse “See how they spew from their mouths— swords from their lips, for they say, ‘Who can hear us?’” (Psalm 59:7) The Picture David Paints • “Spew” paints an image of something foul, uncontrolled, and continuous. • “Swords” identifies words as lethal weapons, cutting and wounding. • “Who can hear us?” exposes arrogant confidence that no one—certainly not God—will call them to account. What Malicious Speech Does to the Speaker 1. Turns the mouth into a weapon • Proverbs 12:18: “Reckless words pierce like a sword.” • James 3:6: “The tongue is a fire…setting the whole course of one’s life on fire.” 2. Reveals the heart’s corruption • Matthew 12:34: “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” • Psalm 36:2: “For he flatters himself in his own eyes until his iniquity is found to be hateful.” 3. Invites God’s judgment • Psalm 59 continues: God “will laugh at them” (v. 8), showing divine response is certain. • Matthew 12:36: “On the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word.” What Malicious Speech Does to the Target • Inflicts emotional and spiritual wounds—“swords” slice deeply (Psalm 64:3). • Spreads fear and distrust, dividing relationships and communities (Proverbs 16:28). Ultimate Consequences Highlighted in Psalm 59 • Exposure: What the wicked think is hidden is fully heard in heaven. • Retribution: God “will consume them in His wrath” (v. 13). Their words boomerang into divine discipline. • Futility: While they boast “Who can hear us?” God proves He hears and acts, nullifying their confidence. Living the Truth Today – Guard the heart, since the mouth broadcasts its contents (Proverbs 4:23). – Measure words by their potential to heal or to wound (Ephesians 4:29). – Remember accountability: every sentence is recorded in God’s ledger (Psalm 139:4). – Replace malice with blessing (Romans 12:14), turning speech from “swords” into instruments of grace. Psalm 59:7 warns that malicious words are never harmless; they ricochet back in divine judgment and personal ruin. Choose speech that builds, not blades that cut. |
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