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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 52:2 Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/52-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/19_Psa_052_002.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 52:2 - Why Do You Boast of Evil?" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/52-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/52-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/52.htm">Chapter 52</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/52-1.htm" title="Psalm 52:1">◄</a> Psalm 52:2 <a href="/psalms/52-3.htm" title="Psalm 52:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/52.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/52.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />You who practice deceit, your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/52.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />All day long you plot destruction. Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor; you’re an expert at telling lies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/52.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, you worker of deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/52.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/52.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp rasor, working deceitfully.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/52.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/52.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, you worker of deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/52.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, O worker of deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/52.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, O worker of deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/52.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, O worker of deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/52.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/52.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like a sharpened razor, your tongue devises destruction, working treachery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/52.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like a sharpened razor, your tongue devises destruction, working treachery. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/52.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Thy tongue deviseth very wickedness, Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/52.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You plan brutal crimes, and your lying words cut like a sharp razor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/52.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Thy tongue deviseth very wickedness; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/52.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Your tongue makes up threats. It's like a sharp razor, you master of deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/52.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You make plans to ruin others; your tongue is like a sharp razor. You are always inventing lies. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/52.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Your tongue, like a sharp razor, devises wicked things and crafts treachery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/52.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/52.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Your tongue carries out your destructive plans; it is as effective as a sharp razor, O deceiver. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/52.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/52.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/52.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/52.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Your tongue devises mischiefs, "" Like a sharp razor, working deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/52.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Mischiefs doth thy tongue devise, Like a sharp razor, working deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/52.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br /><RF q=*><font color=#808080><i>The original Julia E. Smith Bible records the following as a verse reference for </i></font><i><font color=#0000FF> <a href=#>Ps 52:4</a></i></font><Rf>Thy tongue will purpose mischief as a razor being sharpened, working deceit.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/52.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />All the day long thy tongue hath devised injustice: as a sharp razor, thou hast wrought deceit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/52.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 51:4>All day long your tongue thinks up injustice. Like a sharp razor, you have wrought deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/52.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />All day long you are thinking up intrigues; your tongue is like a sharpened razor, you worker of deceit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/52.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />you are plotting destruction. Your tongue is like a sharp razor, you worker of treachery.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/52.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />It is like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/52.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Your tongue conceives evil and, like a sharpened razor, you have worked deceit.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/52.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Thy tongue deviseth destruction; Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/52.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />thy tongue has devised unrighteousness; like a sharpened razor thou hast wrought deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/52-2.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=6205" 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/52.htm">Why Do You Boast of Evil?</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>For the choirmaster. A Maskil of David. After Doeg the Edomite went to Saul and told him, “David has gone to the house of Ahimelech.” Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The loving devotion of God endures all day long. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3956.htm" title="3956: lə·šō·w·ne·ḵā (N-csc:: 2ms) -- Tongue. Or lashon; also feminine lshonah; from lashan; the tongue, used literally, and figuratively.">Your tongue</a> <a href="/hebrew/2803.htm" title="2803: taḥ·šōḇ (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To think, account. ">devises</a> <a href="/hebrew/1942.htm" title="1942: haw·wō·wṯ (N-fp) -- Desire, chasm, destruction. From hava'; desire; also ruin.">destruction</a> <a href="/hebrew/3913.htm" title="3913: mə·luṭ·ṭāš (V-Pual-Prtcpl-ms) -- To hammer, sharpen, whet. A primitive root; properly, to hammer out, i.e. To sharpen.">like a sharpened</a> <a href="/hebrew/8593.htm" title="8593: kə·ṯa·‘ar (Prep-k:: N-ms) -- A razor, sheath. From arah; a knife or razor: also a scabbard.">razor,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ō·śêh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-msc) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">O worker</a> <a href="/hebrew/7423.htm" title="7423: rə·mî·yāh (N-fs) -- Remissness, treachery. From ramah; remissness, treachery.">of deceit.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah…<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="/james/3-6.htm">James 3:6</a></span><br />The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.<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/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a></span><br />Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-8.htm">James 3:8</a></span><br />but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/5-9.htm">Psalm 5:9</a></span><br />For not a word they speak can be trusted; destruction lies within them. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-13.htm">Romans 3:13</a></span><br />“Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-31.htm">Proverbs 10:31</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-4.htm">Proverbs 15:4</a></span><br />A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34-37</a></span><br />You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. / But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a></span><br />Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/57-4.htm">Psalm 57:4</a></span><br />My soul is among the lions; I lie down with ravenous beasts—with men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/64-3.htm">Psalm 64:3</a></span><br />who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/140-3.htm">Psalm 140:3</a></span><br />They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-16.htm">Proverbs 6:16-19</a></span><br />There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: / haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, / a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-3.htm">Jeremiah 9:3</a></span><br />“They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The tongue devises mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.</p><p class="hdg">Thy</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/50-19.htm">Psalm 50:19</a></b></br> Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/64-2.htm">Psalm 64:2-6</a></b></br> Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/140-2.htm">Psalm 140:2,3</a></b></br> Which imagine mischiefs in <i>their</i> heart; continually are they gathered together <i>for</i> war… </p><p class="hdg">like</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/59-7.htm">Psalm 59:7</a></b></br> Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords <i>are</i> in their lips: for who, <i>say they</i>, doth hear?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18</a></b></br> There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise <i>is</i> health.</p><p class="hdg">working</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/109-2.htm">Psalm 109:2</a></b></br> For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/120-2.htm">Psalm 120:2</a></b></br> Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, <i>and</i> from a deceitful tongue.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/4-2.htm">2 Corinthians 4:2</a></b></br> But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/31-22.htm">Blade</a> <a href="/psalms/50-19.htm">Deceit</a> <a href="/psalms/24-4.htm">Deceitfully</a> <a href="/psalms/49-10.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/psalms/10-2.htm">Devises</a> <a href="/psalms/36-4.htm">Deviseth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-23.htm">Mischiefs</a> <a href="/psalms/38-12.htm">Mischievous</a> <a href="/psalms/37-12.htm">Plots</a> <a href="/psalms/31-20.htm">Plotting</a> <a href="/ezra/7-10.htm">Practice</a> <a href="/romans/2-3.htm">Practising</a> <a href="/job/24-14.htm">Purposing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-11.htm">Razor</a> <a href="/psalms/45-5.htm">Sharp</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-20.htm">Sharpened</a> <a href="/psalms/51-14.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/psalms/38-12.htm">Treachery</a> <a href="/job/19-5.htm">Using</a> <a href="/psalms/45-7.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/psalms/7-14.htm">Worker</a> <a href="/psalms/51-4.htm">Working</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/74-5.htm">Blade</a> <a href="/psalms/52-3.htm">Deceit</a> <a href="/psalms/55-15.htm">Deceitfully</a> <a href="/psalms/52-4.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/psalms/94-20.htm">Devises</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-14.htm">Deviseth</a> <a href="/psalms/52-7.htm">Mischiefs</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-2.htm">Mischievous</a> <a href="/psalms/64-2.htm">Plots</a> <a href="/psalms/56-5.htm">Plotting</a> <a href="/psalms/101-8.htm">Practice</a> <a href="/acts/8-9.htm">Practising</a> <a href="/psalms/54-3.htm">Purposing</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-20.htm">Razor</a> <a href="/psalms/55-21.htm">Sharp</a> <a href="/psalms/64-3.htm">Sharpened</a> <a href="/psalms/52-4.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/psalms/55-23.htm">Treachery</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-18.htm">Using</a> <a href="/psalms/52-7.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/psalms/101-7.htm">Worker</a> <a href="/psalms/74-12.htm">Working</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 52</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/52-1.htm">David, condemning the spitefulness of Doeg, prophesies his destruction</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/52-6.htm">The righteous shall rejoice at it</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/52-8.htm">David, upon his confidence in God's mercy, gives thanks</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'; 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In biblical context, the tongue is often seen as a symbol of one's speech and intentions. <a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a> states, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue," emphasizing the significant impact words can have. The imagery of devising destruction suggests intentionality and premeditation, indicating that the speaker's words are not accidental but purposefully harmful. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of the heart's condition being reflected in one's speech, as seen in <a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34</a>, where Jesus says, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks."<p><b>like a sharpened razor</b><br>The comparison to a sharpened razor underscores the precision and potential danger of the tongue. A razor is a tool that can be used for constructive purposes, such as shaving, but when misused, it can cause deep and lasting harm. This metaphor suggests that the speaker's words are not only harmful but also skillfully crafted to inflict maximum damage. The imagery of a razor may also evoke the idea of betrayal or treachery, as seen in the story of Judas Iscariot, whose betrayal of Jesus was both calculated and devastating (<a href="/matthew/26-14.htm">Matthew 26:14-16</a>).<p><b>O worker of deceit</b><br>This phrase identifies the speaker as someone who actively engages in deception. The term "worker" implies a habitual or professional practice, suggesting that deceit is a defining characteristic of this individual. In the biblical narrative, deceit is often associated with the devil, who is described as "a liar and the father of lies" in <a href="/john/8-44.htm">John 8:44</a>. The psalmist's condemnation of deceitful speech aligns with the broader biblical call to truthfulness and integrity, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/4-25.htm">Ephesians 4:25</a>, which urges believers to "put away falsehood" and "speak the truth." The phrase also serves as a warning against the destructive power of deceit, both for the deceiver and those who are deceived.<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/52.htm">Psalm 52</a>, David wrote this psalm in response to the treachery of Doeg the Edomite, who betrayed him to King Saul.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/doeg_the_edomite.htm">Doeg the Edomite</a></b><br>A servant of King Saul who informed Saul of David's visit to Ahimelech the priest, leading to the massacre of the priests at Nob.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_saul.htm">King Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, who was in pursuit of David, seeing him as a threat to his throne.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/ahimelech_the_priest.htm">Ahimelech the Priest</a></b><br>The priest who assisted David, unaware of the conflict between David and Saul, and was subsequently killed by Saul's order.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/n/nob.htm">Nob</a></b><br>The city of priests where Ahimelech resided and where the massacre took place.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a></b><br>Our words have the power to build up or destroy. Like a sharpened razor, deceitful speech can cause deep harm. We must be mindful of our words and strive to speak truth and life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_deceit.htm">Guarding Against Deceit</a></b><br>Deceit is a tool of destruction. As Christians, we are called to live in truth and integrity, avoiding deceit in all its forms.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/accountability_for_speech.htm">Accountability for Speech</a></b><br>We are accountable to God for our words. It is crucial to reflect on the impact of our speech and seek forgiveness and transformation where needed.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_betrayal.htm">The Consequences of Betrayal</a></b><br>The account of Doeg reminds us of the severe consequences of betrayal and the importance of loyalty and faithfulness in our relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_justice.htm">Seeking God's Justice</a></b><br>In the face of deceit and betrayal, we can trust in God's justice and righteousness, knowing that He sees and will act in His perfect timing.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_52.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 52</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_judgment_on_deceitful_tongues.htm">Psalm 120:2-3 - Is there archaeological or textual evidence that consistently attributes judgment on 'deceitful tongues' in this manner?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_proof_of_swift_judgment_in_psalm_52.htm">Psalm 52:3-4 implies a swift downfall for those who love lies; where is the historical evidence supporting this immediate judgment?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_psalm_15_2-3_with_rahab's_lie.htm">Psalm 15:2-3 demands complete truthfulness and no slander; how do we reconcile this with instances of approved deceit (e.g., Rahab in Joshua 2)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_verbal_abuse.htm">What does the Bible say about verbal abuse?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/52.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">Working deceitfully.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">working guile. </span>(For the metaphor, see <a href="/psalms/55-21.htm" title="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.">Psalm 55:21</a>; <a href="/psalms/57-4.htm" title="My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.">Psalm 57:4</a>, <span class= "ital">&c</span>)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/52.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; or, <span class="accented">malignities</span> - <span class="accented">evils</span> of the worst kind. It was Doeg's "tongue" that brought about the entire ghastly massacre (see <a href="/1_samuel/22-9.htm">1 Samuel 22:9, 10</a>). Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Doeg had "worked deceitfully," since he had not told Saul the circumstances that made Ahimelech's giving aid to David no disloyalty to the king (<a href="/1_samuel/21-2.htm">1 Samuel 21:2, 8</a>). The <span class="accented">suppressio veri</span> is a <span class="accented">suggestio falsi.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/52-2.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">Your tongue</span><br /><span class="heb">לְשׁוֹנֶ֑ךָ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·šō·w·ne·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">The tongue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">devises</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּחְשֹׁ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(taḥ·šōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2803.htm">Strong's 2803: </a> </span><span class="str2">To think, account</span><br /><br /><span class="word">destruction</span><br /><span class="heb">הַ֭וּוֹת</span> <span class="translit">(haw·wō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1942.htm">Strong's 1942: </a> </span><span class="str2">Desire, chasm, destruction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like a sharpened</span><br /><span class="heb">מְ֝לֻטָּ֗שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(mə·luṭ·ṭāš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3913.htm">Strong's 3913: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hammer out, to sharpen</span><br /><br /><span class="word">razor,</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּתַ֥עַר</span> <span class="translit">(kə·ṯa·‘ar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8593.htm">Strong's 8593: </a> </span><span class="str2">A knife, razor, a scabbard</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O worker</span><br /><span class="heb">עֹשֵׂ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·śêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of deceit.</span><br /><span class="heb">רְמִיָּֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(rə·mî·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7423.htm">Strong's 7423: </a> </span><span class="str2">Remissness, treachery</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/52-2.htm">Psalm 52:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/52-2.htm">Psalm 52:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/52-2.htm">Psalm 52:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/52-2.htm">Psalm 52:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/52-2.htm">Psalm 52:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/52-2.htm">Psalm 52:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/52-2.htm">Psalm 52:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/52-2.htm">Psalm 52:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/52-2.htm">Psalm 52:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/52-2.htm">Psalm 52:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/52-2.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 52:2 Your tongue plots destruction like a sharp (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/52-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 52:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 52:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/52-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 52:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 52:3" /></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>