Psalm 50:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother’s son.

NIV: You sit and testify against your brother and slander your own mother's son.

NASB: You sit and speak against your brother; You slander your own mother’s son.

CSB: You sit, maligning your brother, slandering your mother's son.

NLT: You sit around and slander your brother — your own mother’s son.

KJV: Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son.

NKJV: You sit and speak against your brother; You slander your own mother’s son.

The wicked being judged by God (Psalm 50:1–6) pretended to be righteous (Psalm 50:8–9), but they were hypocritical. This psalm notes many ways in which Israel was living in deep contradiction to their claims of faith (Psalm 50:16–17). Specific examples included wallowing in lies, evil speech, and adultery (Psalm 50:18–19). Here, that evil speech extends to "slander." This type of speech is harmful as well as untrue, or at least unfair. It implies a sense of division and disruption.

Because slander is lying—either literally or through distortion—it fits a prohibition given in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:16). "To bear false witness" implies claiming something about another which is not true: a common aspect of "slander." That Israel would do such things is sinful enough. To act that way towards one's own family—their "brother"—is a sign of deep depravity.

Proverbs 10:18 pronounces, "Whoever utters slander is a fool." The apostle Paul and his associates were targets of slander, but they did not retaliate. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 4:13, "when slandered, we entreat." They offered a gentle answer to false words.

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.