Meaning of Psalms 59:7

This verse from Psalm 59 vividly portrays the destructive nature of malicious speech and the arrogance of those who utter it, believing their wicked words go unnoticed and unheeded. The psalmist, likely David in a time of intense persecution, describes his enemies as spewing venomous words from their mouths, likening these utterances to sharp swords that inflict deep wounds. This imagery underscores the physical and emotional pain caused by slander, gossip, and false accusations. The latter part of the verse, "and they think, 'Who can hear us?'", highlights their profound self-deception and disregard for divine oversight, assuming their evil deeds and words are hidden from God and humanity.

Context and Background

Psalm 59 is a psalm of lament and trust, often attributed to David during Saul's relentless pursuit of him, as suggested by the superscription which mentions Saul sending men to watch David's house to kill him (1 Samuel 19:11). The enemies described are not merely political opponents but those actively seeking David's life, employing deceit and violence. The hostile environment of constant threat and betrayal is the backdrop against which these sharp, deadly words are spoken.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Power of Words: The verse emphasizes the potent, damaging force of spoken language. Words are not passive; they can wound, destroy reputations, and incite further harm, much like a physical weapon.
• Malice and Deceit: The enemies' speech is characterized by malice ("spew from their mouths") and a deliberate intent to harm. Their words are not accidental slips but calculated attacks.
• Arrogance and Divine Blindness: The phrase "Who can hear us?" reveals a profound arrogance and a deliberate blindness to God's omnipresence. They believe they are beyond accountability, operating in a vacuum of divine awareness.
• Vulnerability of the Righteous: The psalm expresses the suffering of the righteous in the face of such aggressive and ungodly opposition.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse serves as a stark warning against the misuse of our tongues. It calls believers to be mindful of their speech, ensuring it is edifying, truthful, and gracious, rather than destructive. It also highlights the spiritual battle we face, where unseen forces and ungodly individuals can employ harmful words to destabilize and attack. The arrogant assumption of being unheard by God is a dangerous spiritual delusion, as God hears all and will ultimately judge all. For the persecuted, it offers solace in the knowledge that God witnesses their suffering and the wickedness directed against them.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The theme of destructive speech and its consequences resonates throughout Scripture. From the serpent's deceptive words in Eden (Genesis 3) that brought sin into the world, to the constant accusations leveled against God's people, the Bible consistently portrays the tongue as a powerful force for good or evil. Jesus himself warned about the dangers of careless words, stating, "But I tell you that everyone will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken" (Matthew 12:36). The ultimate judgment of those who slander and oppress is a recurring motif.

Analogies

• Poisoned Arrows: The words are like poisoned arrows, which not only pierce but also inflict a lingering, debilitating sickness.
• Barbed Wire: They are like barbed wire, designed to tear and ensnare, causing pain and preventing escape.
• Hidden Mines: The enemies' words are like hidden mines, deceptively placed and detonating with devastating force when least expected.

Relation to Other Verses

• Proverbs 18:21: "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love to talk will eat its fruit." This proverb directly echoes the destructive potential of speech described in Psalms 59:7.
• James 3:5-6: "Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider what a huge forest is set on fire by a tiny spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." This passage elaborates on the destructive power of the tongue, aligning with the psalmist's imagery.
• Psalm 12:3-4: "The Lord will silence all flattering lips and every boastful tongue—those who say with their tongues, 'We need no one but ourselves; we are masters of our own destiny.'" This verse speaks to the silencing of boastful and arrogant speech, mirroring the enemies' belief that no one can hear them.