Psalms 5:9
For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.
Main message
Psalm 5:9 portrays sustained deceptive speech as an integrated pattern flowing from inward corruption, using the open grave and flattering tongue to show how words can consume trust and life.
Meaning in context
Psalm 5:9–10 · Destructive speech brought before the divine Judge — Destructive speech and rebellion are named before God, to whom judgment is entrusted.
The verse moves from mouth to inward parts, throat, and tongue. Its anatomical sequence depicts a whole system of unfaithfulness: what is within becomes speech that opens like a grave and manipulates through flattery. This is not a license to call every mistake, tactful word, or sincere compliment deceptive. The imagery concerns coherent, destructive falsehood that conceals harmful intent and undermines communal safety.
Further teachings
Textual focus: Psalm 5:9
Psalm 5:9 portrays sustained deceptive speech as an integrated pattern flowing from inward corruption, using the open grave and flattering tongue to show how words can consume trust and life.
Cross References: Mouth, inward part, throat, and tongue are linked, while “no faithfulness,” “wickedness,” “open sepulchre,” and flattery describe one destructive pattern.
Applications in daily life
- 1
When charm, praise, or persuasive language repeatedly conflicts with evidence and conceals exploitation or harm.
Evaluate patterns rather than isolated impressions, compare words with conduct, protect vulnerable people, and answer manipulation with documented truth.
Avoid mind-reading, rumor, and sweeping labels; not every inconsistency, social courtesy, or failed promise proves calculated deception.
Related Bible passages and resources
Common misreadings
Any compliment from someone I distrust is flattery from an open grave.
The verse describes sustained, internally coherent destructive deception, not every error, polite expression, or sincere word of praise.
Related Verses
- Lamentations 3:23
“They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
- 1 Samuel 26:23
“The Lord render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the Lord delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the Lord’s anointed.”
- Hosea 2:20
“I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the Lord.”
- Isaiah 11:5
“And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.”
- Isaiah 25:1
“O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.”
Related Topics
How to Apply Psalms 5:9
Meditate on Psalms 5:9 by reading it aloud each morning this week. Ask yourself how its message on the theme of The Faithfulness of God and of the Believer applies to a current challenge you are facing. Write one specific step you will take today in response to its truth — and revisit that commitment at the end of the week.
Sources & Method
Biblical text
The wording is anchored in the site’s public-domain KJV shard for Psalm 5.
Interpretive boundaries
Interpretation preserves the psalm’s appeal to divine judgment without turning it into permission for hatred, revenge, coercion, or promises of immunity.
- Author:
- The Lord Will Editorial Team
- Reviewed by:
- Ugo Candido
- Last updated:
- Reviewed on: