Psalms 58:3
The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.
Psalms 58:3
“The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.” The psalmist claims that wickedness is not a later corruption but a condition from birth. In context, this reflects ancient near Eastern debates about moral moral responsibility and innate nature. The idea here is that some people are so bent toward deceit that lying begins at the earliest age. The clause “estranged from the womb” uses strong imagery to emphasize a fundamental bent away from truth. In a culture where honor and truth-telling were highly valued, this was a provocative diagnosis: certain individuals are fundamentally opposed to what is right. It is not a blanket accusation against all people but a polemic against those who persistently reject goodness and propagate lies.
Theologically, the verse raises questions about human nature, sin, and accountability. It aligns with the biblical teaching that humanity is affected by sin from birth and that deceit is part of the fallen condition. Yet Scripture also holds open the possibility of transformation through repentance and grace. The tension between inherent fallenness and the call to righteousness is central to biblical anthropology. This verse should not be read as a deterministic condemnation of all people but as a severe critique of persistent, willful deception, especially among leaders whose influence amplifies harm.
Practically, this verse invites caution about naïveté and the dangers of flawless self-justification. If you notice a pattern of lying or manipulation—whether in politics, media, or everyday relationships—press for truth, demand accountability, and establish boundaries. For parents, it’s a reminder about early moral formation: teach honesty and model truthful speech from infancy. For communities, it calls out cynicism and nepotism where deceit becomes a coping mechanism to preserve status or power. If you recognize this pattern in yourself, seek transparency, confess where you have lied or colluded, and pursue reconciliation. The aim is not despair but a renewed commitment to truth-telling and integrity.
Cross-References: Genesis 6:5; Psalm 14:1-3; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:13-18; Ephesians 4:25