Psalms 119:43
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.
Psalms 119:43
Psalm 119:43 continues the theme of safeguarding the truth against dilution. The phrase “take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth” expresses a fervent plea for constancy in speaking God’s truth. In the culture of the ancient Near East, words carried weight; oath and claim could shape reputations and destinies. The psalmist acknowledges the vulnerability of speech: pressure, fear, or compromise could erode allegiance to God’s judgments. “Word of truth” emphasizes the reliability and sanctity of God’s promises as the ground of one’s speech. The second half, “for I have hoped in thy judgments,” links speech to a steadfast trust in divine governance. To hope in God’s judgments is to trust that God’s ways, even when inconvenient, are righteous and just. The verse frames speech as a discipline: one must refuse to dilute or misrepresent the truth and instead anchor speech in God’s authoritative judgments.
Theologically, this verse foregrounds integrity in proclamation. It declares that truth-telling is not optional when under pressure; it is a spiritual discipline tied to trust in God’s governance. By choosing not to remove the word from the mouth, the psalmist models courageous fidelity—speaking truth with reverence, even in harsh environments. This resonates with the prophetic call to speak what is right in God’s sight and with the New Testament emphasis on truth-telling as a characteristic of living by the Spirit (Ephesians 4:15; Colossians 3:9-10). The verse also reflects the eschatological hope that God’s judgments will ultimately prevail, giving stability to speech amid social turbulence. It reassures believers that faithfulness to God’s word is not a private affair but a public testimony grounded in trust of divine justice.
In modern life, “not taking the word of truth out of my mouth” translates into honest communication, especially when misinformation or pressure tempts you to bend the truth. Practice accountability: verify facts before speaking; correct false statements gently when you hear them. If you’ve made a mistake, own it publicly and apologize, rooting your correction in Scripture. Cultivate a habit of speaking truth with love—your words should uplift, not demean, and point others toward God’s just character. When advocating for values like integrity, mercy, or justice, anchor your stance in Bible-based judgments rather than in trending opinions. This can be challenging in social media culture; seek discernment through prayer and pause before posting. The result is a steadier voice—one that is hopeful and credible because it’s grounded in God’s truth.
Cross-References: Psalm 119:42; Proverbs 30:5; John 17:17; Ephesians 4:15; Titus 1:9