New International Version His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords. New Living Translation His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers! English Standard Version His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. Berean Standard Bible His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed. Berean Literal Bible His mouth has been smoother than butter, and war is in his heart; his words have been softer than oil, and they are drawn swords. King James Bible The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords. New King James Version The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, But war was in his heart; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. New American Standard Bible His speech was smoother than butter, But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. NASB 1995 His speech was smoother than butter, But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. NASB 1977 His speech was smoother than butter, But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. Legacy Standard Bible His speech was smoother than butter, But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. Amplified Bible The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, But his heart was hostile; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. Berean Annotated Bible His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed. Christian Standard Bible His buttery words are smooth, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, but they are drawn swords. Holman Christian Standard Bible His buttery words are smooth, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, but they are drawn swords. American Standard Version His mouth was smooth as butter, But his heart was war: His words were softer than oil, Yet were they drawn swords. Contemporary English Version His words were smoother than butter, and softer than olive oil. But hatred filled his heart, and he was ready to attack with a sword. English Revised Version His mouth was smooth as butter, but his heart was war: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords. GOD'S WORD® Translation His speech is smoother than butter, but there is war in his heart. His words are more soothing than oil, but they are like swords ready to attack. Good News Translation His words were smoother than cream, but there was hatred in his heart; his words were as soothing as oil, but they cut like sharp swords. International Standard Version His mouth is as smooth as butter, while war is in his heart. His words were as smooth as olive oil, while his sword is drawn. NET Bible His words are as smooth as butter, but he harbors animosity in his heart. His words seem softer than oil, but they are really like sharp swords. New Heart English Bible His mouth was smooth as butter, but his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. Webster's Bible Translation The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHis speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed. World English Bible His mouth was smooth as butter, but his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionHis mouth has been sweeter than honey, "" And his heart [is] war! His words have been softer than oil, "" And they [are] drawn [swords]. Berean Literal Bible His mouth has been smoother than butter, and war is in his heart; his words have been softer than oil, and they are drawn swords. Young's Literal Translation Sweeter than honey hath been his mouth, And his heart is war! Softer have been his words than oil, And they are drawn swords. Smith's Literal Translation They were divided from the wrath of his mouth, and his heart drew near: his words were soft above oil, and they drawn swords. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims Biblethey are divided by the wrath Of his countenance, and his heart hath drawn near. His words are smoother than oil, and the same are darts. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible Softer than butter is his speech, but war is in his heart. Smoother than oil are his words, but they are unsheathed swords. New Revised Standard Version with speech smoother than butter, but with a heart set on war; with words that were softer than oil, but in fact were drawn swords. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThey were afraid because of the anger in his countenance and the wrath in his heart; his words were smoother than butter, yet were they sharp like the point of a spear. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated They were troubled by the passion of his Person and by the anger of his heart; his words were softer than oil and effective as spearheads. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Smoother than cream were the speeches of his mouth, But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, Yet were they keen-edged swords. Brenton Septuagint Translation They were scattered at the anger of his countenance, and his heart drew nigh them. His words were smoother than oil, yet are they darts. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Cast Your Burden upon the LORD…20My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. 21His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed. 22Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.… Cross References His speech is smooth as butter, Romans 16:18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. Psalm 12:2 They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart. Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin. but war is in his heart. Psalm 28:3 Do not drag me away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors while malice is in their hearts. Jeremiah 9:8 Their tongues are deadly arrows; they speak deception. With his mouth a man speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a trap for him. Micah 3:5 This is what the LORD says: “As for the prophets who lead My people astray, who proclaim peace while they chew with their teeth, but declare war against one who puts nothing in their mouths: His words are softer than oil, Proverbs 5:3 Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil, Proverbs 7:21 With her great persuasion she entices him; with her flattering lips she lures him. Proverbs 2:16 It will rescue you from the forbidden woman, from the stranger with seductive words yet they are swords unsheathed. Psalm 64:3 who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, Proverbs 12:18 Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Psalm 57:4 My soul is among the lions; I lie down with ravenous beasts—with men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. Proverbs 26:24-25 A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. / When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. Proverbs 10:18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. Proverbs 29:5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. Matthew 26:48-49 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. Treasury of Scripture The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords. The words Psalm 28:3 Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts. Psalm 57:4 My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. Psalm 62:4 They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. war John 13:2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; Jump to Previous Butter Cream Drawn Heart Honey Keen-Edged Mouth Oil Sharp Smooth Smoother Soothing Speech Speeches Sweeter Swords War WordsJump to Next Butter Cream Drawn Heart Honey Keen-Edged Mouth Oil Sharp Smooth Smoother Soothing Speech Speeches Sweeter Swords War WordsPsalm 55 1. David in his prayer complains of his fearful case9. He prays against his enemies, of whose wickedness and treachery he complains 16. He comforts himself in God's preservation oh him, and confusion of his enemies His speech is smooth as butter, He presents himself with warmth and gentleness, concealing his true purpose behind persuasive words. Rom 16:18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ… but war is in his heart. Beneath the peaceful appearance lies hostility and a settled intention to harm, like Absalom’s calculated flattery while he prepared rebellion against David. Psa 28:3 Do not drag me away with the wicked, and with the workers… His words are softer than oil, His language, smooth and comforting like oil used for anointing and healing, offers reassurance designed to disarm those who hear him and gain their trust. Pro 5:3 Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey… yet they are swords unsheathed. His words are weapons ready to wound. The contrast exposes the danger of judging a person by pleasant speech while ignoring the intentions and actions that reveal the heart. Psa 64:3 who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim… Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 55, David is expressing his anguish over betrayal by a close companion. 2. Jerusalem The setting of many of David's psalms, often representing a place of both divine presence and human conflict. 3. Betrayal The central event in this psalm, where David feels deceived by someone he trusted, reflecting a broader theme of treachery. 4. Enemies Those who oppose David, often characterized by deceitful and malicious intentions. 5. God The ultimate refuge and source of justice for David amidst his trials. Teaching Points The Deceptive Nature of WordsWords can be used to manipulate and deceive, appearing gentle while hiding harmful intentions. Believers should be discerning and seek wisdom to recognize such deceit. The Reality of Betrayal Even those closest to us can betray us. This reality should drive us to place our ultimate trust in God, who is faithful and just. Guarding Our Own Speech As followers of Christ, we are called to ensure our words align with our hearts, promoting peace and truth rather than deceit and harm. Seeking Refuge in God In times of betrayal and conflict, God remains our steadfast refuge. We should turn to Him for comfort and justice. The Power of Forgiveness While betrayal is painful, believers are called to forgive as Christ forgave, trusting God to handle justice. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 55:21?2. How does Psalm 55:21 warn us about deceitful speech in relationships? 3. What can we learn from Psalm 55:21 about the nature of betrayal? 4. How does Psalm 55:21 connect with Proverbs 26:24-26 on hidden malice? 5. How should Psalm 55:21 influence our discernment of others' intentions? 6. How can we apply Psalm 55:21 to guard against deceit in our lives? 7. How does Psalm 55:21 reflect the nature of deceit in human relationships? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 55:21? 9. How does Psalm 55:21 challenge our understanding of trust and betrayal? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 55? (21) The words of his mouth.--The ancient versions and the grammatical anomalies point to a corruption of the text. Read, Smoother than butter is his face. The reading face for mouth is suggested by the LXX., though their version has wandered far from the text even thus amended. Drawn swords.--The comparison of the tongue to a sword is frequent; that of the words themselves not so usual, but apt. We may compare Shakespeare's "I will speak daggers to her, but use none."--Hamlet. Verse 21. - The words of his mouth wore smoother than butter; literally, smooth were the butters of his mouth - i.e., his flattering utterances. But war was in his heart; literally, but his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords; i.e. keen, cutting - according to our own idiom, "like daggers." Psalm 55:21 exposes the danger of charming speech coming from a treacherous heart. While words may flow like butter or oil—smooth, soft, and reassuring—the true intention can be warfare, with sentences acting like unsheathed swords. Scripture repeatedly warns that outward niceness is no guarantee of inward righteousness. Discernment comes from measuring every word and motive against the unchanging truth of God’s Word, trusting Him to reveal what lies beneath the surface.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew His speechפִּיו֮ (pîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to is smooth חָלְק֤וּ ׀ (ḥā·lə·qū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 2505: To be smooth, to apportion, separate as butter, מַחְמָאֹ֣ת (maḥ·mā·’ōṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 4260: Something buttery, as, flattery but war וּֽקֲרָב־ (ū·qă·rāḇ-) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7128: Hostile encounter is in his heart. לִ֫בּ֥וֹ (lib·bōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre His words דְבָרָ֥יו (ḏə·ḇā·rāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause are softer רַכּ֖וּ (rak·kū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 7401: To be tender, weak or soft than oil, מִשֶּׁ֗מֶן (miš·še·men) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8081: Grease, liquid, richness yet they are וְהֵ֣מָּה (wə·hêm·māh) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They swords unsheathed. פְתִחֽוֹת׃ (p̄ə·ṯi·ḥō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 6609: Something opened, a drawn sword Additonal Resources Psalm 55:21 Blue Letter BiblePsalm 55:21 Bible Gateway Psalm 55:21 Bible.com Psalm 55:21 NIV |
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