Psalm 52:3

Translations

Modern

You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah

Traditional

Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.

Literal

You love evil more than good, lying more than speaking righteousness. Selah

Latin

Dilexisti malitiam super benignitatem; iniquitatem magis quam loqui æquitatem.

Original

Hebrew

English

You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah

Notes

Psalms 52:3

Dishonest speech can change a person's character.

Psalms 52:1–4

Liars deceive themselves by thinking they can be heroes with their words. They see themselves as innocent, even though they love evil and cause harm. Those who speak curses, sarcasm, bitterness, arrogant boasting, and lies (Psalms 31:18; 34:13; 59:7, 12; 120:2–3; 140:3, 9) create chaos, isolation, and destruction (James 3:5). Their sharp words cut like swords and daggers (Psalms 55:21; 57:4; 64:3), the fangs of a snake (140:3), or a razor.

Psalms 52:1–9

Wicked people use words to destroy relationships and communities. They foolishly think that they can be heroes by their words (Psalm 52:1–4), but their downfall comes suddenly (52:5–7). In contrast, the godly renew their commitment to the Lord (Psalm 52:8–9) and find security in their future with him.

Psalms 51:1–65:13

These psalms of David share a common theme. They reflect on the experience of evil. In Psalm 51, the psalmist admits his wrongdoing and asks for God's forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 express sorrow over specific evils David faced. A song of praise (Psalm 65) brings David's laments to an end.

Theme notes and profiles

David

Related verses

Jeremiah 9:3–5
“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.
John 8:44
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.
2 Timothy 3:4
…traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
Revelation 22:15
But outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
Romans 1:25
They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is forever worthy of praise! Amen.
Micah 3:2
You hate good and love evil. You tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones.
Jeremiah 9:8
Their tongues are deadly arrows; they speak deception. With his mouth a man speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a trap for him.
Jeremiah 4:22
“For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.”
Psalm 62:4
They fully intend to cast him down from his lofty perch; they delight in lies; with their mouths they bless, but inwardly they curse. Selah

Parallels

1 Samuel 22:6–23

People

Selah: A musical or liturgical term of uncertain meaning

Glossary

Ahimelech David Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

Falsehood: General Scriptures Concerning Lying: The Wicked: Love Righteousness: The Wicked Love Lying Rather Than Speaking: Evil The Rich: General Scriptures Concerning Wicked (People): Described

Psalm 52:3

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