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Psalm 52:4 You love every word that devours, O deceitful tongue.
<!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 52:4 You love every word that devours, O deceitful tongue.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/52-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/19_Psa_052_004.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 52:4 - Why Do You Boast of Evil?" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You love every word that devours, O deceitful tongue." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.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/52-3.htm" title="Psalm 52:3">◄</a> Psalm 52:4 <a href="/psalms/52-5.htm" title="Psalm 52:5">►</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 love every harmful word, you deceitful tongue!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/52.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />You love to destroy others with your words, you liar!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/52.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />You love all words that devour, O deceitful tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/52.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />You love every word that devours, O deceitful tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/52.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Thou lovest all devouring words, O <i>thou</i> deceitful tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/52.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />You love all devouring words, <i>You</i> deceitful tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/52.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />You love all words that devour, You deceitful tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/52.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />You love all words that devour, O deceitful tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/52.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />You love all words that devour, O deceitful tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/52.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />You love all words that devour, O deceitful tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/52.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />You love all words that devour, O deceitful tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/52.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You love any words that destroy, you treacherous tongue!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/52.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You love any words that destroy, you treacherous tongue! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/52.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/52.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You love to say cruel things, and your words are a trap. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/52.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/52.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />You love every destructive accusation, you deceitful tongue!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/52.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You love to hurt people with your words, you liar! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/52.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />You love all words that destroy, you deceitful tongue!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/52.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />You love every word that devours, O deceitful tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/52.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You love to use all the words that destroy, and the tongue that deceives. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/52.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />You love all devouring words, you deceitful tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/52.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/52.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />You love all devouring words, you deceitful tongue. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/52.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />You have loved all devouring words, "" O you deceitful tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/52.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Thou hast loved all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.<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 52:6</a></i></font><Rf>Thou lovedst all words of destruction, a tongue of deceit.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/52.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Thou hast loved all the words of ruin, O deceitful tongue. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/52.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 51:6>You have loved all precipitous words, you deceitful tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/52.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You love all the words that create confusion, you deceitful tongue. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/52.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />You love all words that devour, O deceitful tongue.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/52.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />You love all that speak evil and all deceitful tongues;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/52.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />You have loved all evil speaking and deceitful tongues.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/52.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Thou lovest all devouring words, The deceitful tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/52.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Thou has loved all words of destruction, <i>and</i> a deceitful tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/52-4.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=6217" 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">3</span>You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/157.htm" title="157: ’ā·haḇ·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To love. Or raheb; a primitive root; to have affection for.">You love</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: ḵāl (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">every</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: diḇ·rê- (N-mpc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">word</a> <a href="/hebrew/1105.htm" title="1105: ḇā·la‘ (N-ms) -- A swallowing, devouring, a thing swallowed. From bala'; a gulp; figuratively, destruction.">that devours,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4820.htm" title="4820: mir·māh (N-fs) -- Deceit, treachery. From ramah in the sense of deceiving; fraud.">O deceitful</a> <a href="/hebrew/3956.htm" title="3956: lə·šō·wn (N-csc) -- Tongue. Or lashon; also feminine lshonah; from lashan; the tongue, used literally, and figuratively.">tongue.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin; He will snatch you up and tear you away from your tent; He will uproot you from the land of the living. 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/3-5.htm">James 3:5-8</a></span><br />In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. / 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. / All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, ...<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/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="/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="/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="/colossians/3-8.htm">Colossians 3:8</a></span><br />But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-13.htm">Romans 3:13-14</a></span><br />“Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips.” / “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-31.htm">Proverbs 10:31-32</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out. / The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">1 Peter 3:10</a></span><br />For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-13.htm">Psalm 34:13</a></span><br />Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech.<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="/psalms/10-7.htm">Psalm 10:7</a></span><br />His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and violence; trouble and malice are under his tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/120-2.htm">Psalm 120:2-3</a></span><br />Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips and a deceitful tongue. / What will He do to you, and what will be added to you, O deceitful tongue?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">You love all devouring words, O you deceitful tongue.</p><p class="hdg">devouring</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/22-18.htm">1 Samuel 22:18,19</a></b></br> And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/james/3-6.htm">James 3:6-9</a></b></br> And the tongue <i>is</i> a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell… </p><p class="hdg">O thou.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/43-1.htm">Deceitful</a> <a href="/psalms/52-2.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/psalms/50-3.htm">Devour</a> <a href="/psalms/50-3.htm">Devouring</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-41.htm">Harmful</a> <a href="/psalms/52-3.htm">Love</a> <a href="/psalms/52-2.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/psalms/50-12.htm">Word</a> <a href="/psalms/51-4.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/55-23.htm">Deceitful</a> <a href="/psalms/55-9.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/psalms/53-4.htm">Devour</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-7.htm">Devouring</a> <a href="/jeremiah/39-12.htm">Harmful</a> <a href="/psalms/52-8.htm">Love</a> <a href="/psalms/55-9.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/psalms/56-4.htm">Word</a> <a href="/psalms/54-2.htm">Words</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'; </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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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/52.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/52.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>You love every word that devours</b><br>This phrase highlights the destructive power of words, emphasizing the moral and spiritual corruption of those who delight in using language to harm others. In biblical context, the tongue is often depicted as a powerful tool that can either build up or tear down (<a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-6</a>). The love for destructive words reflects a heart that is far from God, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/6-16.htm">Proverbs 6:16-19</a>, where lying and sowing discord are listed among the things the Lord detests. Historically, the misuse of words has been a common theme in the Psalms, often associated with the wicked and their attempts to undermine the righteous (<a href="/psalms/10-7.htm">Psalm 10:7</a>). This phrase serves as a warning against the seductive nature of harmful speech and its potential to devour relationships and communities.<p><b>O deceitful tongue</b><br>The deceitful tongue is a metaphor for dishonesty and manipulation. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, truthfulness was a highly valued virtue, and deceit was seen as a serious offense against both God and community (<a href="/exodus/20-16.htm">Exodus 20:16</a>). The tongue's deceitfulness is a recurring theme in the Psalms, where it is often linked to betrayal and treachery (<a href="/psalms/55-21.htm">Psalm 55:21</a>). This phrase can also be connected to the broader biblical narrative of sin and its consequences, as deceit was a key element in the fall of humanity (<a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3:1-5</a>). In a prophetic sense, the deceitful tongue contrasts with the truth embodied by Jesus Christ, who is described as the Word made flesh (<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>) and the one who speaks truth (<a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>). This highlights the call for believers to emulate Christ by speaking truthfully and avoiding deceit.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>- The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/52.htm">Psalm 52</a>, traditionally believed to be King David, who wrote this psalm as a response to the treachery of Doeg the Edomite.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/doeg_the_edomite.htm">Doeg the Edomite</a></b><br>- A key figure in the background of this psalm, known for betraying David and causing the death of the priests at Nob.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/n/nob.htm">Nob</a></b><br>- The city of priests where Doeg reported to Saul about David's visit, leading to the massacre of the priests.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>- The first king of Israel, who was pursuing David out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_deceitful_tongue.htm">The Deceitful Tongue</a></b><br>- Represents those who use their words to harm others, a central theme in this psalm.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a></b><br>Words have the power to build up or destroy. As believers, we must be mindful of how we use our speech, ensuring it aligns with God's truth and love.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_deceit.htm">Guarding Against Deceit</a></b><br>The deceitful tongue is a tool of destruction. We must guard our hearts and minds against deceit, both in what we say and what we listen to.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_betrayal.htm">The Consequences of Betrayal</a></b><br>Betrayal, as exemplified by Doeg, leads to devastating consequences. We are called to be faithful and trustworthy in our relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_justice_and_righteousness.htm">God's Justice and Righteousness</a></b><br>While deceit may seem to prosper temporarily, God's justice prevails. We can trust that God will ultimately vindicate the righteous and judge the wicked.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_with_integrity.htm">Living with Integrity</a></b><br>Integrity in speech and action is a hallmark of a faithful believer. We are called to reflect Christ in all we do, including our communication.<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/who_is_ahinoam_of_jezreel.htm">Can Satan listen to our prayers?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_stance_on_slander.htm">What is the Bible's stance on slander?</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/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>(4) <span class= "bld">Devouring words.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">words of swallowing, </span>such as swallow down (comp. <a href="/psalms/5-9.htm" title="For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulcher; they flatter with their tongue.">Psalm 5:9</a>, where the throat is called "an open sepulchre") a neighbour's life, honour, and goods.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/52.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Thou lovest all devouring words</span>. "Devouring words" are words that cause ruin and destruction. O thou deceitful tongue! or (as in the margin), <span class="accented">and the deceitful tongue.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/52-4.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">You love</span><br /><span class="heb">אָהַ֥בְתָּ</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·haḇ·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_157.htm">Strong's 157: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have affection f</span><br /><br /><span class="word">every</span><br /><span class="heb">כָֽל־</span> <span class="translit">(ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">word</span><br /><span class="heb">דִּבְרֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(diḇ·rê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<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">that devours,</span><br /><span class="heb">בָ֗לַע</span> <span class="translit">(ḇā·la‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1105.htm">Strong's 1105: </a> </span><span class="str2">A swallowing, devouring, a thing swallowed</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O deceitful</span><br /><span class="heb">מִרְמָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(mir·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4820.htm">Strong's 4820: </a> </span><span class="str2">Deceit, treachery</span><br /><br /><span class="word">tongue.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְשׁ֣וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(lə·šō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">The tongue</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/52-4.htm">Psalm 52:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/52-4.htm">Psalm 52:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/52-4.htm">Psalm 52:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/52-4.htm">Psalm 52:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/52-4.htm">Psalm 52:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/52-4.htm">Psalm 52:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/52-4.htm">Psalm 52:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/52-4.htm">Psalm 52:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/52-4.htm">Psalm 52:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/52-4.htm">Psalm 52:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/52-4.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 52:4 You love all devouring words you deceitful (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/52-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 52:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 52:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/52-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 52:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 52:5" /></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>