Psalms 31:18
Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
Psalms 31:18
“Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.” This line intensifies the psalm’s struggle against slander and contempt. Lying lips are emblematic of deceit that harms reputation and community. The psalmist’s request for silencing is both a plea for protection and a rebuke against moral corruption circulating in the social discourse. The description of “grievous things proudly and contemptuously” captures a particular posture of arrogance and malice. The psalm’s speaker is not seeking vengeance; rather, this prayer seeks relief from the calumny and the social harm that results from proud, destructive speech. In the context of communal life, words have power to wound, divide, or heal. The verse thus speaks to the moral urgency of truth-telling, integrity, and the responsibility to curb speech that harms the righteous.
Speech is a central test of righteousness in Scripture. This verse aligns with a long biblical concern about truth-telling and the power of words to both uphold and ruin. It asserts that God cares about the integrity of speech and the protection of the vulnerable from malicious rumors. Theologically, it reinforces the idea that God honors truth and judges deceit. The righteous are not left to fend for themselves; God hears their cries and will restrain the proud and deceitful. The verse also anticipates New Testament themes about taming the tongue (James 3) and the moral responsibility to speak in ways that build up rather than tear down.
Do you encounter people who lie about you or speak with arrogance against you? This verse can guide how to respond. Practical steps: respond with measured truth rather than boiling anger; seek to clear your name through honest communication and, when appropriate, legal or organizational channels. Guard your own speech: avoid returning insult for insult; instead, pursue mercy and truth-telling. If you’re in leadership, model constructive speech and hold others to standards of honesty. In social media or workplace conversations, consider how to curb harmful rumors and promote responsible dialogue. This verse invites you to trust God to handle malice while you pursue integrity and kindness.
Cross-References: James 3:9-12; Proverbs 26:28; Proverbs 12:19; 1 Peter 3:10-11; Psalm 101:5