They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah They sharpen their tongues like snakes;David portrays his enemies as deliberately preparing deceitful words for harm. Like a blade honed for battle, their speech is calculated to wound, entrap, and destroy. The serpent in Eden used words to challenge God’s command and draw humanity into sin; likewise, wicked speech often works through subtle distortion, accusation, and lies. Paul applies similar language to humanity’s sinfulness in Romans 3:13, showing that corrupt speech reveals a corrupt heart. Psa 64:3 who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim… the venom of vipers is on their lips. Vipers strike suddenly, and their venom brings death. Malicious words may spread slander, divide families and communities, ruin reputations, and encourage evil. James likewise warns that the untamed tongue is “full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). David’s prayer recognizes that violence is not limited to weapons and physical attacks; words can carry the intent and effects of death. God sees the hidden malice behind flattering lips and false accusations. Rom 3:13 Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit… Selah The pause calls for sober reflection on the danger of sinful speech and the need for God’s protection from it. It also summons God’s people to guard their own mouths, speaking truth in love and refusing to answer evil with deceit. Psa 62:4 with their mouths they bless, but inwardly they curse.… Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of this psalm, David often wrote about his experiences with adversaries and his reliance on God for deliverance. 2. Enemies of David The psalm speaks to the malicious intent and deceitful speech of those who opposed David, often representing broader themes of evil and unrighteousness. 3. Snakes and Vipers Symbolic of deceit and danger, these creatures are used metaphorically to describe the harmful and poisonous nature of the enemies' words. Teaching Points The Power of WordsWords can be as harmful as physical weapons. We must be mindful of how we speak to and about others. Guarding Our Speech As believers, we are called to speak truth and life, avoiding deceit and malice. Recognizing Spiritual Warfare The imagery of snakes and vipers reminds us of the spiritual battle we face, where words can be used by the enemy to sow discord and harm. Seeking God's Protection Like David, we should seek God's protection and wisdom in dealing with those who use their words to harm. Reflecting Christ in Our Speech Our words should reflect the love and truth of Christ, serving as a testimony to our faith. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of snakes and vipers in Psalm 140:3 help us understand the nature of deceitful speech?2. In what ways can we guard our tongues to ensure our words align with biblical teachings? 3. How can we apply the lessons from James 3:8 to our daily interactions with others? 4. What practical steps can we take to seek God's protection against harmful words from others? 5. How can reflecting on Proverbs 12:18 help us use our speech to build others up rather than tear them down? Connections to Other Scriptures James 3:8This verse discusses the untamable nature of the tongue, likening it to a restless evil full of deadly poison, which parallels the imagery in Psalm 140:3. Romans 3:13 Paul references the deceitful nature of human speech, echoing the imagery of venomous words found in Psalm 140:3. Proverbs 12:18 This proverb contrasts the reckless words that pierce like swords with the healing tongue of the wise, highlighting the power of speech for harm or good.
People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Adder, Adders, Adder's, Lips, Poison, Selah, Serpent, Serpent's, Sharp, Sharpen, Sharpened, Snake, Snakes, Tongue, Tongues, Venom, Viper, Vipers, Viper'sDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 140:3 4687 snake Library Question Lxxxiii of PrayerI. Is Prayer an Act of the Appetitive Powers? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer based on Friendship II. Is it Fitting to Pray? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer as a True Cause S. Augustine, On the Sermon on the Mount, II. iii. 14 " On the Gift of Perseverance, vii. 15 III. Is Prayer an Act of the Virtue of Religion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Humility of Prayer S. Augustine, On Psalm cii. 10 " Of the Gift of Perseverance, xvi. 39 IV. Ought We to Pray to God Alone? S. Augustine, Sermon, cxxvii. 2 V. … St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life Letter xxvi. (Circa A. D. 1127) to the Same Epistle xviii. To John, Bishop. How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished. A Discourse of Mercifulness Covenanting a Privilege of Believers. Psalms Links Psalm 140:3 NIVPsalm 140:3 NLT Psalm 140:3 ESV Psalm 140:3 NASB Psalm 140:3 KJV Psalm 140:3 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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