Psalms 120:3

"Deliver my soul, LORD, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue."

Key Reflection

In Psalms 120:3, the psalmist appeals to the Lord for deliverance from slanderers and deceivers. The verse reflects the harsh reality of living in a society where false speech was prevalent, likely drawing on the cultural context of frequent verbal abuse and betrayal among community members. This plea underscores the psalmist's deep distress over the impact of deceitful words, highlighting the profound need for divine protection against such malicious speech.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

What shall be given unto thee? -Margin, “What shall the deceitful tongue give unto thee;” or, “what shall it profit thee?” Luther, “What can the false tongue do?” Others render this, “How will God punish thee?” Others, “What will he (God) give to thee?” That is, What recompence can you expect from God for these malignant calumnies? A literal translation of this verse would be, “What shall the tongue of deceit give to thee, and what shall it add to thee?” - referring to the offender himself.

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