For wicked and deceitful mouths open against me;This phrase highlights the psalmist's experience of being falsely accused and slandered. In biblical context, the wicked often refers to those who oppose God's ways and His people. Deceitful mouths suggest intentional falsehoods and manipulation. Historically, false accusations were a common tactic used by enemies to undermine leaders, as seen in the stories of Joseph (Genesis 39) and Daniel (Daniel 6). This phrase can also be seen as a type of Christ, who faced false accusations from religious leaders (
Matthew 26:59-61).
they speak against me with lying tongues.
The emphasis on "lying tongues" underscores the malicious intent behind the words spoken against the psalmist. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, one's reputation was crucial, and slander could lead to social and legal repercussions. The use of the tongue as a metaphor for speech is common in Scripture, highlighting the power of words to harm or heal (Proverbs 18:21). This phrase connects to other scriptures that warn against the dangers of the tongue, such as James 3:6-8. It also foreshadows the false testimonies brought against Jesus during His trial (Mark 14:56-59), further establishing a typological connection to Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of
Psalm 109, David is expressing his distress over being falsely accused and slandered by his enemies.
2.
EnemiesThe unspecified adversaries who are speaking deceitfully against David, representing those who oppose the righteous.
3.
GodThe ultimate judge and protector whom David calls upon for justice and vindication.
Teaching Points
The Power of WordsWords can be used to build up or destroy. As believers, we must be mindful of our speech, ensuring it aligns with truth and love.
Responding to SlanderWhen faced with false accusations, we should follow David's example by turning to God in prayer, seeking His justice and protection.
Trust in God's JusticeEven when wronged, we can trust that God sees all and will ultimately vindicate the righteous.
Guarding Our HeartsWe must be vigilant against allowing bitterness or a desire for revenge to take root, instead leaving judgment to God.
The Importance of IntegrityLiving a life of integrity and truthfulness is crucial, as it reflects our commitment to God and His ways.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Psalm 109:2?
2. How can we guard against deceitful tongues as seen in Psalm 109:2?
3. What does Psalm 109:2 teach about the power of spoken words?
4. How does Psalm 109:2 connect with James 3:6 on controlling the tongue?
5. In what ways can we respond to false accusations biblically?
6. How can prayer help us when facing deceitful attacks, as in Psalm 109:2?
7. How does Psalm 109:2 reflect the theme of false accusations in the Bible?
8. What historical context might have influenced the writing of Psalm 109:2?
9. How does Psalm 109:2 challenge our understanding of justice and divine intervention?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 109?
11. What is the Bible's stance on slander?
12. Psalm 120:2-3 - Is there archaeological or textual evidence that consistently attributes judgment on 'deceitful tongues' in this manner?
13. 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)?
14. Psalm 36:1 suggests the wicked have 'no fear of God'--how is this reconciled with other biblical texts claiming innate moral awareness (Romans 2:14-15)?What Does Psalm 109:2 Mean
For wicked and deceitful mouthsThe psalmist immediately identifies the source of his distress—people characterized by moral corruption and intentional deception.
• Psalm 52:2 reminds us, “Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit.”
• Jesus warns in Matthew 12:34 that “out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks,” showing that wicked speech reveals a wicked heart.
• Proverbs 6:16-19 lists “a lying tongue” among the things the LORD hates, underscoring the seriousness of this sin.
When we encounter such mouths today, we recognize the same spiritual battle David faced, and we remember that the Lord sees and judges every word.
open against meThese hostile voices are not passive; they actively “open” in aggression, taking aim at the righteous.
• Psalm 57:4 pictures enemies whose “teeth are spears and arrows,” highlighting the weapon-like nature of slander.
• In Acts 6:11-13 false witnesses “rose up” against Stephen, illustrating how godly servants throughout history have faced similar attacks.
The phrase assures believers that being targeted for righteousness is neither rare nor unexpected; it places us in the company of faithful saints.
they speak against meThe opposition is personal and direct. David is not merely hearing rumors; the lies are aimed at him.
• Psalm 35:11 says, “Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me things I do not know.”
• 1 Peter 3:16 encourages believers to keep a clear conscience “so that those who slander you may be put to shame,” confirming that God vindicates His people.
Knowing that God hears every accusation enables us to rest in His defense rather than retaliate in kind.
with lying tonguesThe core issue is falsehood. These tongues deliberately twist truth to harm.
• Psalm 120:2 pleads, “Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips.”
• Revelation 21:8 warns that “all liars” will face judgment, proving God’s ultimate victory over deception.
• John 8:44 exposes the devil as “a liar and the father of lies,” showing the spiritual origin of such attacks.
Because God is “the God of truth” (Isaiah 65:16), we trust Him to expose lies and uphold His servants.
summaryPsalm 109:2 portrays a righteous believer besieged by malicious, deceitful speech. David’s confidence is not in self-defense but in God, who hates lying tongues, hears every false word, and will vindicate His people. When we face similar slander, we stand firm, knowing the Lord who loves truth will ultimately silence every wicked and deceitful mouth.
(2)
Of the deceitful.--Properly, as in margin,
of deceit; consequently, to make the two expressions alike, it is proposed to read, instead of "mouth of the wicked" (properly,
of a wicked man)
, "mouth of wickedness." In any case the best English equivalent will be, "a wicked mouth and a deceitful mouth." "A blow with a word strikes deeper than a blow with a sword" (
Whichcote)
.Spoken against me.--Rather (comp. Psalm 12:3), talked with me.
Verse 2. -
For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful; literally,
of deceit - the abstract for the concrete. Are opened against me; literally,
hare they opened upon me (Kay, Cheyne, Revised Version).
They have spoken against ms with a lying tongue (comp.
Psalm 27:12;
Psalm 35:11). Calumny and misrepresentation are ever the portion of the children of God. David was calumniated by Saul (
1 Samuel 22:7-13), by Absalom (
2 Samuel 15:3, 4), by Shimei (
2 Samuel 16:8), and others. One more perfect than David was even more calumniated (
Matthew 11:19;
Matthew 12:24;
Matthew 26:61;
Luke 23:2, etc.).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Forכִּ֤י (kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunctionwickedרָשָׁ֡ע (rā·šā‘)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7563: Wrong, an, bad personand deceitfulמִ֭רְמָה (mir·māh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4820: Deceit, treacherymouthsפִ֪י (p̄î)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according toopenפָּתָ֑חוּ (pā·ṯā·ḥū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6605: To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carveagainst me;עָלַ֣י (‘ā·lay)Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, againstthey speakדִּבְּר֥וּ (dib·bə·rū)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdueagainstאִ֝תִּ֗י (’it·tî)Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, amongme with lyingשָֽׁקֶר׃ (šā·qer)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8267: Deception, disappointment, falsehoodtongues.לְשׁ֣וֹן (lə·šō·wn)Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 3956: The tongue
Links
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OT Poetry: Psalm 109:2 For they have opened the mouth (Psalm Ps Psa.) 
