Psalms 58:4
Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear;
Psalms 58:4
“Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear.” The imagery is vivid. Poisonous speech and deliberate harm function like a venomous creature, dangerous and insidious. The reference to a deaf adder that stops its ear emphasizes stubbornness and refusal to listen to correction or warning. In the social sphere, such people are not only harmful in their actions but deliberately closed to counsel and repentance. The psalmist depicts the social impact of such deceit: a community infected by venom that cannot be neutralized by typical social remedies. The use of animal imagery is common in prophetic literature to convey danger and moral corrosion.
This verse reinforces the moral landscape of human speech and decision-making under divine scrutiny. It emphasizes consequences of willful deceit and refusal to heed truth. Theologically, it highlights God’s role as the ultimate judge who can counteract such poison and who will hold to account those who spew venom. The depiction of the creature as deaf to sound also serves as a warning about spiritual hardness of heart, a recurring theme in Scripture.
Consider how harmful rhetoric can poison communities—spreading rumors, lies, or inflammatory language. Recognize when you’re being drawn into gossip or when you’re endorsing harmful speech. Practice discernment: pause before sharing, verify sources, and consider the impact on others. If you’re tempted to be “deaf” to correction, seek humility and teachability. For leaders, cultivate policies that discourage toxic communication and promote respectful dialogue. If you’re harmed by venomous words, seek accountability and safe spaces to process grievances. The practical aim is to curb the spread of harmful speech and foster a culture that refuses to amplify venom.
Cross-References: Proverbs 26:28; James 3:8-10; Proverbs 15:1; Psalm 5:5; Isaiah 59:3-4