Psalms 115:5
They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
Psalms 115:5
Verse 5 continues the indictment of idols by describing their perceived but nonfunctional attributes: They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not. In a world where speech and sight are marks of life and agency, these lines condemn idols as powerless constructions—made to seem alive, yet incapable of real perception or response. The imagery would resonate in a culture where idolatry involved statues that were thought to mediate between the divine and humans. The rhetorical charge is stark: the idols are lifeless, silent, and blind. This sharp contrast with the living God’s ability to speak, see, hear, and act highlights the emptiness of reliance on man-made deities. The verse serves as a theological corrective and liturgical reminder: worship should align with a God who truly engages with his people.
Theologically, the verse underscores the essence of true godliness—God is living, responsive, and relational. Idols, by contrast, are mute and inert, revealing humanity’s longing to control or domesticate the divine. This difference points to a broader biblical anthropology: humans are called to seek the living God who reveals himself, rather than fashioning gods in their image. It also hints at divine judgment against false reliance and invites a faithful trust in God’s attentive mercy and truth. The verse thus aids in forming a robust ethical worship life that resists projection and embraces the God who truly sees and acts.
In daily life, this can translate to recognizing when we are treating objects or systems as if they could “speak” into our lives. For example, tech devices promise connection but can mute true interpersonal attention; consumerism promises fulfillment but leaves emptiness. The verse calls believers to discern where voices read as powerful are actually empty. Practice listening for God’s voice through Scripture, prayer, and community, rather than defaulting to slogans or manufactured solutions. It also invites mercy: when others “speak” through idols—advertising, social media trends, or cultural pressures—offer a different chorus: trust in the God who sees you, speaks truth, and cares deeply. A practical exercise: spend a day noticing what you listen to—music, podcasts, conversations—and evaluate whether they point you toward life in God or toward substituting substitutes for God.
Cross-References: Isaiah 44:9-20; Habakkuk 2:18-20; Jeremiah 10:14-16; Psalm 135:15-18