What will He do to you, and what will be added to you, O deceitful tongue? What will He do to you,God hears the victim of slander and will judge those who deliberately use speech to destroy others. The question anticipates the punishment named in the next verse: sharp warrior’s arrows and burning coals, images of unavoidable and fitting judgment. God’s justice answers the lies that human courts and communities may fail to expose. Psa 52:5 Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin;… and what will be added to you, Persistent deceit brings no lasting advantage but adds guilt before the righteous Judge. The language points to recompense beyond the immediate harm done, echoing the biblical certainty that whatever a person sows, he will also reap. God’s patience does not cancel His judgment against unrepentant sin. Rev 22:18 I testify to everyone who hears the words of prophecy… O deceitful tongue? The tongue represents the person who knowingly speaks falsehood, slander, and betrayal. Such speech violates God’s command against bearing false witness and opposes the character of the Lord, who is truth. Though the tongue may appear small, its lies can wound families, divide God’s people, and conceal evil; therefore God holds its speaker accountable. Psa 52:4 You love every word that devours, O deceitful tongue. Persons / Places / Events 1. PsalmistThe author of Psalm 120, traditionally attributed to David, who is expressing distress over deceit and falsehood. 2. Deceitful Tongue Represents those who speak lies and falsehoods, causing harm and discord. 3. God The implied subject who will bring justice and retribution to the deceitful tongue. Teaching Points The Power of WordsWords have the power to build up or destroy. As Christians, we are called to use our words to edify and speak truth. God's Justice God is aware of deceit and falsehood, and He will bring justice. We can trust Him to deal with those who use their tongues for harm. Self-Examination Reflect on our own speech. Are we guilty of deceit or careless words? Repentance and seeking God's help to guard our tongues is crucial. The Call to Truthfulness As followers of Christ, we are called to be people of truth, reflecting God's character in our speech and actions. The Impact of Lies Lies can cause significant harm to relationships and communities. We must strive to be peacemakers and truth-bearers. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of a "deceitful tongue" in Psalm 120:3 relate to the broader biblical teaching on the power of words?2. In what ways can we ensure that our speech aligns with the truthfulness that God desires from us? 3. Reflect on a time when deceitful words affected you or someone you know. How did you see God's justice or mercy at work in that situation? 4. How can we apply the teachings of James 3:5-6 to our daily interactions to prevent the destructive power of the tongue? 5. What practical steps can we take to hold ourselves accountable for our words, in light of Matthew 12:36-37? Connections to Other Scriptures James 3:5-6Discusses the power of the tongue, likening it to a small fire that can set a forest ablaze, emphasizing the destructive potential of deceitful speech. Proverbs 6:16-19 Lists things the Lord hates, including a lying tongue, highlighting the seriousness of deceit in God's eyes. Matthew 12:36-37 Jesus warns that people will give an account for every careless word spoken, underscoring the accountability for deceitful speech.
People Kedar, Mesech, Meshech, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics FALSE, Added, Deceitful, O, Punishment, TongueDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 120:2-3Library Epistle Lxxviii. To Barbara and Antonina . To Barbara and Antonina [186] . Gregory to Barbara, &c. On receiving your epistles, I was in all manner of ways delighted to hear of your well being, and I entreat Almighty God that He would guard you by His protection from malignant spirits in thought, and from perverse men, and from all contrariety; and that He would, with the grace of His fear, settle you in unions worthy of you, and cause us all to rejoice in your settlement [187] . But do you, most sweet daughters, rest your hope on His help, … Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great That all Troubles are to be Endured for the Sake of Eternal Life Question Lxxxii of Devotion Of Love to God St. Malachy Becomes Bishop of Connor; He Builds the Monastery of iveragh. Question Lxxxiii of Prayer Concerning Peaceableness Psalms Links Psalm 120:3 NIVPsalm 120:3 NLT Psalm 120:3 ESV Psalm 120:3 NASB Psalm 120:3 KJV Psalm 120:3 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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