Psalms 36:3
The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.
Psalms 36:3
Psalm 36 continues the contrast between the wicked and the faithful. Verse 3 layers the critique: “The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.” The wicked’s speech betrays their inner condition—speech is not neutral but reveals moral alignment. In ancient Israel, talk mattered: what comes out of the mouth often signifies the heart’s disposition and directs others. Deceitful speech is a form of moral erosion, and as in verse 2, there is a progression from inner posture to external action. The verse ties together language and conduct: corrupt speech becomes a lens to view the broader life—no longer seeking wisdom; instead, deliberately choosing wrongdoing. The external acts of evil are rooted in a deeper commitment to self-advantage rather than truth and righteousness. This theme fits the psalm’s larger appeal to trust in God, who preserves and judges with integrity.
Theologically, this verse emphasizes the moral integrity of speech as a reflection of spiritual state. It highlights that sin corrupts not only deeds but words, and that wisdom is abandoned when favoring deceit. The rejection of wisdom and good signals a willful rebellion against God’s order. The verse aligns with biblical teachings that the tongue is powerful and that words either heal or harm (James 3). It also points to divine judgment on deceit—the one who multiplies falsehood cannot claim the way of wisdom. This verse, in concert with verses about the mouth and heart, invites readers to pursue honesty, truth-telling, and integrity as expressions of one’s faith.
Today, consider how your words reveal your heart. Do you excuse lies, half-truths, or sarcasm that tears others down? Are you quick to justify harmful rumors, or slow to tell the truth for fear of confrontation? Practice truthful speech: pause before speaking, consider if what you say aligns with love, and seek reconciliation when you’ve misled others. Replace deceitful patterns with honesty, even when it’s uncomfortable. Seek wisdom—ask questions, listen well, and pursue good in your decisions. Notice how social media can amplify deceitful rhetoric; cultivate temperance, kindness, and truth in online interactions. The verse invites a daily discipline: choose truthfulness as a pathway to wisdom.
Cross-References: Proverbs 12:22; James 3:9-12; Ephesians 4:25; Psalm 15:1-2; Luke 6:45