Book of Psalms - Chapter 34 - Verse 13

In this verse, the importance of controlling one's speech is emphasized. The instruction to "Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile" serves as a reminder to guard our words and refrain from speaking falsehoods or engaging in malicious speech. This verse encourages individuals to be mindful of what they say, as words have the power to either build up or tear down. By avoiding gossip, deceit, and hurtful language, individuals can cultivate a reputation of honesty and integrity. Ultimately, this verse reminds us of the impact our words can have on others and the importance of using our speech to bring positivity and encouragement into the world.

In this verse, the emphasis is on the importance of watching what we say and how we say it. The word "evil" stems from the Hebrew word "ra," which can refer to a wide range of wrongdoing, including moral and ethical evil. This word study reveals that our words have the power to either build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage, to bring life or death. Similarly, the word "guile" comes from the Hebrew word "mirmah," which means deceit or treachery. It warns against speaking with deceit or dishonesty. The theological interpretation of this verse reminds us of the significance of controlling our tongues and being mindful of our words. It reflects the biblical wisdom found in Proverbs on the importance of guarding our speech. By keeping our tongue from evil and our lips from speaking guile, we uphold principles of honesty, integrity, and kindness in our interactions with others, reflecting God's character of truth and love.