Psalms 10:7
His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.
Psalms 10:7
Verse 7 delves into the mouth as an instrument of harm: cursing, deceit, fraud, and a tongue “under his tongue is mischief and vanity.” It paints a vivid portrait of speech used to manipulate and injure the vulnerable. The imagery aligns with ancient Near Eastern literature that warned against corrupt speech as a social toxin that undermines justice. The wicked’s words conceal malice and serve self-interest, using language as camouflage for wrongdoing. The verse emphasizes the power of speech to reveal the heart’s intent.
Theologically, the verse underscores moral accountability for speech. Language is not neutral; it shapes reality, sustains oppression, or promotes truth and mercy. God’s justice includes condemning deceit and boasting that harms others. The verse invites readers to align their words with truth, integrity, and love.
Practically, evaluate how you speak daily. Do your words uplift or harm? Do you gossip, lie, or manipulate to gain advantage? Commit to speaking truth with kindness, avoiding cursing or deceit, and using speech as a tool for healing and justice. If you work in environments where deception is common, build a culture of honesty, provide transparent communication, and confront manipulation with integrity.
Cross-References: Ephesians 4:29; James 3:5-12; Proverbs 10:18; Colossians 4:6