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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 55:21 His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/55-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/19_Psa_055_021.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 55:21 - Cast Your Burden upon the LORD" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. 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His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/55.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/55.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/55.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>The words</i> of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war <i>was</i> in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet <i>were</i> they drawn swords.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/55.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>The words</i> of his mouth were smoother than butter, But war <i>was</i> in his heart; His words were softer than oil, Yet they <i>were</i> drawn swords.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/55.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />His speech was smoother than butter, But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/55.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />His speech was smoother than butter, But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/55.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />His speech was smoother than butter, But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/55.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />His speech was smoother than butter, But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/55.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, But his heart was hostile; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/55.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />His buttery words are smooth, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, but they are drawn swords.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/55.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />His buttery words are smooth, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, but they are drawn swords. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/55.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />His mouth was smooth as butter, But his heart was war: His words were softer than oil, Yet were they drawn swords.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/55.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />His words were smoother than butter, and softer than olive oil. But hatred filled his heart, and he was ready to attack with a sword. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/55.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />His mouth was smooth as butter, but his heart was war: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/55.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />His speech is smoother than butter, but there is war in his heart. His words are more soothing than oil, but they are like swords ready to attack.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/55.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />His words were smoother than cream, but there was hatred in his heart; his words were as soothing as oil, but they cut like sharp swords. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/55.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />His mouth is as smooth as butter, while war is in his heart. His words were as smooth as olive oil, while his sword is drawn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/55.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/55.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />His words are as smooth as butter, but he harbors animosity in his heart. His words seem softer than oil, but they are really like sharp swords. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/55.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />His mouth was smooth as butter, but his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/55.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/55.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />His mouth was smooth as butter, but his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/55.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />His mouth has been sweeter than honey, "" And his heart [is] war! His words have been softer than oil, "" And they [are] drawn [swords].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/55.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Sweeter than honey hath been his mouth, And his heart is war! Softer have been his words than oil, And they are drawn swords.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/55.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />They were divided from the wrath of his mouth, and his heart drew near: his words were soft above oil, and they drawn swords.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/55.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />they are divided by the wrath Of his countenance, and his heart hath drawn near. His words are smoother than oil, and the same are darts. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/55.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 54:22>They were divided by the wrath of his countenance, and his heart has drawn near. His words are smoother than oil, and they are arrows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/55.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Softer than butter is his speech, but war is in his heart. Smoother than oil are his words, but they are unsheathed swords. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/55.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />with speech smoother than butter, but with a heart set on war; with words that were softer than oil, but in fact were drawn swords.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/55.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />They were afraid because of the anger in his countenance and the wrath in his heart; his words were smoother than butter, yet were they sharp like the point of a spear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/55.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />They were troubled by the passion of his Person and by the anger of his heart; his words were softer than oil and effective as spearheads.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/55.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Smoother than cream were the speeches of his mouth, But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, Yet were they keen-edged swords.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/55.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />They were scattered at the anger of his countenance, and his heart drew nigh them. His words were smoother than oil, yet are they darts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/55-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=6557" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/55.htm">Cast Your Burden upon the LORD</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pîw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">His speech</a> <a href="/hebrew/2505.htm" title="2505: ḥā·lə·qū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To be smooth, to apportion, separate. A primitive root; to be smooth; by implication to apportion or separate.">is smooth</a> <a href="/hebrew/4260.htm" title="4260: maḥ·mā·’ōṯ (N-fpc) -- Smoother than butter. A denominative from chem'ah; something buttery, as flattery.">as butter,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7128.htm" title="7128: ū·qă·rāḇ- (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- A battle, war. From qarab; hostile encounter.">but war</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lib·bōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">is in his heart.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: ḏə·ḇā·rāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">His words</a> <a href="/hebrew/7401.htm" title="7401: rak·kū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To be tender, weak or soft. A primitive root; to soften, used figuratively.">are softer</a> <a href="/hebrew/8081.htm" title="8081: miš·še·men (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Fat, oil. From shaman; grease, especially liquid; figuratively, richness.">than oil,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: wə·hêm·māh (Conj-w:: Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they.">yet they are</a> <a href="/hebrew/6609.htm" title="6609: p̄ə·ṯi·ḥō·wṯ (N-fp) -- A drawn sword. From pathach; something opened, i.e. A drawn sword.">swords unsheathed.</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/5-3.htm">Proverbs 5:3-4</a></span><br />Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil, / in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-24.htm">Proverbs 26:24-25</a></span><br />A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. / When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-8.htm">Jeremiah 9:8</a></span><br />Their tongues are deadly arrows; they speak deception. With his mouth a man speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a trap for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18</a></span><br />Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-18.htm">Proverbs 10:18</a></span><br />The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-5.htm">Proverbs 29:5</a></span><br />A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-48.htm">Matthew 26:48-49</a></span><br />Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-27.htm">Matthew 23:27-28</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. / In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/16-18.htm">Romans 16:18</a></span><br />For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-8.htm">James 3:8-10</a></span><br />but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. / With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. / Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-13.htm">2 Corinthians 11:13-15</a></span><br />For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/28-3.htm">Psalm 28:3</a></span><br />Do not drag me away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors while malice is in their hearts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/62-4.htm">Psalm 62:4</a></span><br />They fully intend to cast him down from his lofty perch; they delight in lies; with their mouths they bless, but inwardly they curse. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-10.htm">Isaiah 30:10</a></span><br />They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/33-31.htm">Ezekiel 33:31</a></span><br />So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.</p><p class="hdg">The words</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/28-3.htm">Psalm 28:3</a></b></br> Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief <i>is</i> in their hearts.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/57-4.htm">Psalm 57:4</a></b></br> My soul <i>is</i> among lions: <i>and</i> I lie <i>even among</i> them that are set on fire, <i>even</i> the sons of men, whose teeth <i>are</i> spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/62-4.htm">Psalm 62:4</a></b></br> They only consult to cast <i>him</i> down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.</p><p class="hdg">war</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/13-2.htm">John 13:2</a></b></br> And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's <i>son</i>, to betray him;</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/29-6.htm">Butter</a> <a href="/job/29-6.htm">Cream</a> <a href="/psalms/37-14.htm">Drawn</a> <a href="/psalms/55-10.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/19-10.htm">Honey</a> <a href="/micah/5-6.htm">Keen-Edged</a> <a href="/psalms/54-2.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/psalms/45-7.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/psalms/52-2.htm">Sharp</a> <a href="/psalms/36-2.htm">Smooth</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-7.htm">Smoother</a> <a href="/numbers/29-36.htm">Soothing</a> <a href="/psalms/55-9.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/job/33-1.htm">Speeches</a> <a href="/psalms/19-10.htm">Sweeter</a> <a href="/psalms/44-3.htm">Swords</a> <a href="/psalms/53-5.htm">War</a> <a href="/psalms/54-2.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/30-33.htm">Butter</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-29.htm">Cream</a> <a href="/psalms/60-5.htm">Drawn</a> <a href="/psalms/57-7.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/81-16.htm">Honey</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-28.htm">Keen-Edged</a> <a href="/psalms/58-6.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/psalms/89-20.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/psalms/57-4.htm">Sharp</a> <a href="/psalms/65-10.htm">Smooth</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-3.htm">Smoother</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-4.htm">Soothing</a> <a href="/psalms/64-3.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/mark/3-28.htm">Speeches</a> <a href="/psalms/119-103.htm">Sweeter</a> <a href="/psalms/59-7.htm">Swords</a> <a href="/psalms/61-3.htm">War</a> <a href="/psalms/56-5.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 55</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/55-1.htm">David in his prayer complains of his fearful case</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/55-9.htm">He prays against his enemies, of whose wickedness and treachery he complains</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/55-16.htm">He comforts himself in God's preservation oh him, and confusion of his enemies</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/55.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/55.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>His speech is smooth as butter</b><br>This phrase highlights the deceptive nature of the speaker's words. In biblical times, butter was a luxury, symbolizing richness and smoothness. The imagery suggests a facade of kindness and gentleness. This can be compared to <a href="/proverbs/5-3.htm">Proverbs 5:3</a>, where the lips of an adulterous woman drip honey, indicating deceit. The smooth speech is a tool for manipulation, reminiscent of the serpent's words to Eve in <a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3</a>, which were cunning and misleading.<p><b>but war is in his heart</b><br>Despite the outward appearance of peace, the true intention is conflict. This reflects the biblical theme of the heart's deceitfulness, as seen in <a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9</a>, which states that the heart is deceitful above all things. The contrast between outward speech and inward intent is a warning against trusting appearances. Historically, this can be seen in the actions of figures like Absalom, who spoke kindly to win the hearts of the people while plotting rebellion against his father, King David (2 Samuel 15).<p><b>His words are softer than oil</b><br>Oil in the ancient Near East was used for anointing and healing, symbolizing smoothness and comfort. The comparison suggests that the words are meant to soothe and placate. However, this softness is a guise, much like the flattering lips mentioned in <a href="/psalms/12-2.htm">Psalm 12:2</a>, which hide true intentions. The use of oil also connects to the anointing of kings and priests, indicating a false sense of authority or blessing.<p><b>yet they are swords unsheathed</b><br>The imagery of swords unsheathed reveals the true danger behind the words. In biblical literature, swords often symbolize judgment and warfare, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/6-17.htm">Ephesians 6:17</a>, where the Word of God is described as the sword of the Spirit. The unsheathing of swords indicates readiness for battle, suggesting that the speaker's words, though seemingly gentle, are prepared to cause harm. This duality is a reminder of the spiritual warfare believers face, where discernment is necessary to recognize the true nature of seemingly benign influences.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/55.htm">Psalm 55</a>, David is expressing his anguish over betrayal by a close companion.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The setting of many of David's psalms, often representing a place of both divine presence and human conflict.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/betrayal.htm">Betrayal</a></b><br>The central event in this psalm, where David feels deceived by someone he trusted, reflecting a broader theme of treachery.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies.htm">Enemies</a></b><br>Those who oppose David, often characterized by deceitful and malicious intentions.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate refuge and source of justice for David amidst his trials.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_deceptive_nature_of_words.htm">The Deceptive Nature of Words</a></b><br>Words can be used to manipulate and deceive, appearing gentle while hiding harmful intentions. Believers should be discerning and seek wisdom to recognize such deceit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_betrayal.htm">The Reality of Betrayal</a></b><br>Even those closest to us can betray us. This reality should drive us to place our ultimate trust in God, who is faithful and just.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_our_own_speech.htm">Guarding Our Own Speech</a></b><br>As followers of Christ, we are called to ensure our words align with our hearts, promoting peace and truth rather than deceit and harm.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_refuge_in_god.htm">Seeking Refuge in God</a></b><br>In times of betrayal and conflict, God remains our steadfast refuge. We should turn to Him for comfort and justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_forgiveness.htm">The Power of Forgiveness</a></b><br>While betrayal is painful, believers are called to forgive as Christ forgave, trusting God to handle justice.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_55.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 55</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_are_the_four_horsemen.htm">Who are the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_psalm_56_13_contradict_tragic_deaths.htm">Does the deliverance from death proclaimed in Psalm 56:13 contradict other biblical accounts of faithful figures who died tragically?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_5_9_conflict_with_other_miracles.htm">In Job 5:9, does the claim of God performing countless marvels conflict with documented miracles (or lack thereof) in other biblical texts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_wormwood_mean_in_revelation.htm">What does wormwood symbolize in Revelation?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/55.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) <span class= "bld">The words of his mouth.</span>--The ancient versions and the grammatical anomalies point to a corruption of the text. Read, <span class= "ital">Smoother than butter is his face. </span>The reading <span class= "ital">face </span>for <span class= "ital">mouth </span>is suggested by the LXX., though their version has wandered far from the text even thus amended.<p><span class= "bld">Drawn swords.</span>--The comparison of the tongue to a sword is frequent; that of the words themselves not so usual, but apt. We may compare Shakespeare's<p>"I will speak daggers to her, but use none."--<span class= "ital">Hamlet.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/55.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The words of his mouth wore smoother than butter</span>; literally, <span class="accented">smooth were the butters of his mouth</span> - <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, <span class="accented">his</span> flattering utterances. <span class="cmt_word">But war was in his</span> <span class="cmt_word">heart;</span> literally, <span class="accented">but his heart was war. <span class="cmt_word"></span>His words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> keen, cutting - according to our own idiom, "like daggers." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/55-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">His speech</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּיו֮</span> <span class="translit">(pîw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is smooth</span><br /><span class="heb">חָלְק֤וּ ׀</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·lə·qū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2505.htm">Strong's 2505: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be smooth, to apportion, separate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as butter,</span><br /><span class="heb">מַחְמָאֹ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(maḥ·mā·’ōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4260.htm">Strong's 4260: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something buttery, as, flattery</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but war</span><br /><span class="heb">וּֽקֲרָב־</span> <span class="translit">(ū·qă·rāḇ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7128.htm">Strong's 7128: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hostile encounter</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is in his heart.</span><br /><span class="heb">לִ֫בּ֥וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(lib·bōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">His words</span><br /><span class="heb">דְבָרָ֥יו</span> <span class="translit">(ḏə·ḇā·rāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are softer</span><br /><span class="heb">רַכּ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(rak·kū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7401.htm">Strong's 7401: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be tender, weak or soft</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than oil,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשֶּׁ֗מֶן</span> <span class="translit">(miš·še·men)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8081.htm">Strong's 8081: </a> </span><span class="str2">Grease, liquid, richness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">yet they are</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהֵ֣מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hêm·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> </span><span class="str2">They</span><br /><br /><span class="word">swords unsheathed.</span><br /><span class="heb">פְתִחֽוֹת׃</span> <span class="translit">(p̄ə·ṯi·ḥō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6609.htm">Strong's 6609: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something opened, a drawn sword</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/55-21.htm">Psalm 55:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/55-21.htm">Psalm 55:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/55-21.htm">Psalm 55:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/55-21.htm">Psalm 55:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/55-21.htm">Psalm 55:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/55-21.htm">Psalm 55:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/55-21.htm">Psalm 55:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/55-21.htm">Psalm 55:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/55-21.htm">Psalm 55:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/55-21.htm">Psalm 55:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/55-21.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 55:21 His mouth was smooth as butter (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/55-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 55:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 55:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/55-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 55:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 55:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>