Psalm 50:19 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "You give your mouth free rein for evil, and your tongue frames deceit.

NIV: You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit.

NASB: You let your mouth loose in evil, And your tongue harnesses deceit.

CSB: You unleash your mouth for evil and harness your tongue for deceit.

NLT: Your mouth is filled with wickedness, and your tongue is full of lies.

KJV: Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.

NKJV: You give your mouth to evil, And your tongue frames deceit.

The Judge (Psalm 50:1–7), God Himself, is charging Israel with blatant hypocrisy in worship (Psalm 50:8–9, 16–17). The prior verse noted that the nation tolerated thievery and adultery: two clear violations of the Lord's most basic laws for Israel (Exodus 20:14–15). As the next verse notes, this extends to slander: damaging, untrue claims and rumors about others (Psalm 50:20).

This verse's accusation involves deceptive, hateful, or dishonest speech. A nation saturated in such talk cannot claim to be attuned to their Creator. Proverbs 15:28 says, "The mouth of the wicked pours out evil things." James 3:6 describes the tongue as "a fire, a world of unrighteousness." James also calls the tongue "a restless evil, full of deadly poison" (James 3:8). Further he notes, "With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God" (James 3:9). The apostle Paul knew even Christians are tempted to use speech for evil purposes. He commanded, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths" (Ephesians 4:29). He noted the correct alternative for our speech: "only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear" (Ephesians 4:29).

Psalm 50:16–23 closes with strong criticism for hypocritical worship. Israel is being judged by God (Psalm 50:7) for offering sacrifices (Psalm 50:8) but doing so while participating in blatant sin and disobedience. Mere performance of rituals does not buy God's forgiveness. The Lord condemns the ungodly attitudes of the people and warns of dire consequences for those who do not change.

Asaph depicts God as an unimaginably glorious judge, calling the entire world to hear a divine verdict. Israel has offered sacrifices, but God ignores them. The nation rejects His laws. It is pervaded with blatant sin, even while they claim to be God's chosen people. The Lord's patience does not mean He does not notice. Those who continue ignoring Him will be "torn apart" without any possibility of rescue. Those who respond to God with sincerity will be rescued.

This psalm, written by Asaph, addresses the Lord's intended connection between religious rituals and daily behavior. When the people offer sacrifices, but blatantly reject God's laws, they invite judgment. This passage notes national sins mentioned directly in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:14–16). In other writings, Asaph expresses frustration over Israel's continued rebellion and God's delayed response (Psalm 73:2–3; 74:10).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.