King James Version

What Does Psalms 31:18 Mean?

Psalms 31:18 in the King James Version says “Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. grie...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. grievous: Heb. a hard thing”

Psalms 31:18 · KJV

Context

16

Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake.

17

Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave. silent: or, cut off for

18

Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. grievous: Heb. a hard thing

19

Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!

20

Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

Read Psalms 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. Prayer for divine action against slanderers, targeting their speech—weapon used against God's people. This imprecatory request reveals seriousness of false witness and slander in God's moral economy.

Let the lying lips be put to silence continues verse 17's theme. Hebrew 'illem means to be dumb, speechless, unable to speak. David prays that instrument of harm—lying tongue—be removed or restrained. This isn't primarily about punishing persons but stopping damage false speech inflicts. Reformed theology recognizes ninth commandment's protection of reputation and truth.

Which speak grievous things (Hebrew 'athaq—arrogant, harsh, hard things) aren't minor exaggerations but vicious slanders, devastating lies. Content of speech matters to God. James calls tongue a fire, world of iniquity (James 3:6). Grievous words destroy reputations, communities, lives.

Proudly and contemptuously identifies attitude. Pride (ga'avah) is arrogant self-exaltation; contempt (buz) is scorn and disdain. Lying lips deliberately and arrogantly assault others. Against the righteous reveals target. These lies aim at righteous (tsaddiq), those in right relationship with God. World always resents God's people (John 15:18-19). Christ experienced this supremely—lied about, slandered by lying lips seeking His death.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ninth commandment (Exodus 20:16) explicitly prohibits false witness. In Israel's legal system, false testimony was punished severely—false witness received punishment their lie would have brought on accused (Deuteronomy 19:16-21).

Lying lips destroyed many biblical figures. Jezebel's false witnesses murdered Naboth (1 Kings 21). False witnesses sought Jesus' death (Matthew 26:59-61). Stephen was martyred on false charges (Acts 6:13). Reformers emphasized ninth commandment's positive requirements—not merely avoiding lies but actively protecting and promoting others' reputations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does persistent slander damage individuals and communities, and why is this serious sin?
  2. Is it appropriate to pray imprecatory prayers asking God to silence those who spread lies?
  3. How can believers guard their tongues from becoming lying lips that speak contemptuously?
  4. What is relationship between pride and lying? Why do proud particularly engage in false speech?
  5. How does Christ's experience of false witness provide comfort for believers who are slandered?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
תֵּ֥אָלַ֗מְנָה1 of 9

“be put to silence”

H481

to tie fast; hence (of the mouth) to be tongue-tied

שִׂפְתֵ֫י2 of 9

“lips”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

שָׁ֥קֶר3 of 9

“Let the lying”

H8267

an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)

הַדֹּבְר֖וֹת4 of 9

“which speak”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

עַל5 of 9
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

צַדִּ֥יק6 of 9

“against the righteous”

H6662

just

עָתָ֗ק7 of 9

“grievous”

H6277

impudent

בְּגַאֲוָ֥ה8 of 9

“things proudly”

H1346

arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament

וָבֽוּז׃9 of 9

“and contemptuously”

H937

disrespect

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 31:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 31:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 94:4Jude 1:15Isaiah 54:171 Samuel 2:3John 8:48Matthew 12:24

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 31 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 31 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes