◄ Psalm 55:21 ►
His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.
Study Bible
His speech is smooth as butter
This phrase highlights the deceptive nature of the speaker's words. In biblical times, butter was a luxury, symbolizing richness and smoothness. The imagery suggests a facade of kindness and gentleness. This can be compared to Proverbs 5:3, where the lips of an adulterous woman drip honey, indicating deceit. The smooth speech is a tool for manipulation, reminiscent of the serpent's words to Eve in Genesis 3, which were cunning and misleading.

but war is in his heart
Despite the outward appearance of peace, the true intention is conflict. This reflects the biblical theme of the heart's deceitfulness, as seen in Jeremiah 17:9, which states that the heart is deceitful above all things. The contrast between outward speech and inward intent is a warning against trusting appearances. Historically, this can be seen in the actions of figures like Absalom, who spoke kindly to win the hearts of the people while plotting rebellion against his father, King David (2 Samuel 15).

His words are softer than oil
Oil in the ancient Near East was used for anointing and healing, symbolizing smoothness and comfort. The comparison suggests that the words are meant to soothe and placate. However, this softness is a guise, much like the flattering lips mentioned in Psalm 12:2, which hide true intentions. The use of oil also connects to the anointing of kings and priests, indicating a false sense of authority or blessing.

yet they are swords unsheathed
The imagery of swords unsheathed reveals the true danger behind the words. In biblical literature, swords often symbolize judgment and warfare, as seen in Ephesians 6:17, where the Word of God is described as the sword of the Spirit. The unsheathing of swords indicates readiness for battle, suggesting that the speaker's words, though seemingly gentle, are prepared to cause harm. This duality is a reminder of the spiritual warfare believers face, where discernment is necessary to recognize the true nature of seemingly benign influences.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 55, David is expressing his anguish over betrayal by a close companion.

2. Jerusalem
The setting of many of David's psalms, often representing a place of both divine presence and human conflict.

3. Betrayal
The central event in this psalm, where David feels deceived by someone he trusted, reflecting a broader theme of treachery.

4. Enemies
Those who oppose David, often characterized by deceitful and malicious intentions.

5. God
The ultimate refuge and source of justice for David amidst his trials.
Teaching Points
The Deceptive Nature of Words
Words can be used to manipulate and deceive, appearing gentle while hiding harmful intentions. Believers should be discerning and seek wisdom to recognize such deceit.

The Reality of Betrayal
Even those closest to us can betray us. This reality should drive us to place our ultimate trust in God, who is faithful and just.

Guarding Our Own Speech
As followers of Christ, we are called to ensure our words align with our hearts, promoting peace and truth rather than deceit and harm.

Seeking Refuge in God
In times of betrayal and conflict, God remains our steadfast refuge. We should turn to Him for comfort and justice.

The Power of Forgiveness
While betrayal is painful, believers are called to forgive as Christ forgave, trusting God to handle justice.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the description of speech in Psalm 55:21 challenge us to evaluate our own words and intentions?

2. In what ways can we discern when someone’s words are deceitful, and how should we respond according to biblical principles?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt betrayed. How did you find comfort in God, and what scriptures helped you through that experience?

4. How does the theme of betrayal in Psalm 55:21 connect to the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, and what can we learn from Jesus' response?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure our speech is consistent with our Christian values, promoting truth and love rather than deceit?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 5:3-4
This passage warns about the deceitful nature of certain individuals, similar to the smooth yet dangerous speech described in Psalm 55:21.

Matthew 26:48-50
The betrayal of Jesus by Judas with a kiss parallels the theme of betrayal by a close companion.

James 3:8-10
Discusses the power of the tongue, highlighting how words can be both a blessing and a curse, akin to the dual nature of speech in Psalm 55:21.
Sermons
The Compassionable, the Commendable, and the Censurable in LifeHomilistPsalm 55:1-23
The Outcry of a Soul in DistressT. W. Chambers, D. D.Psalm 55:1-23
Contrasts in the Character and Experience of the Righteous and the WickedC. Short Psalm 55:16-23
People
David, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Butter, Cream, Drawn, Heart, Honey, Keen-edged, Milky, Mouth, Oil, Sharp, Smooth, Smoother, Softer, Soothing, Speech, Speeches, Sweeter, Swords, War, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 55:21

     4488   oil
     4490   ointment
     5016   heart, fallen and redeemed
     5842   eloquence

Psalm 55:20-21

     5547   speech, power of

Library
July 9. "Cast Thy Burden on the Lord" (Ps. Lv. 22).
"Cast thy burden on the Lord" (Ps. lv. 22). Dear friends, sometimes we bring a burden to God, and we have such a groaning over it, and we seem to think God has a dreadful time, too, but in reality it does not burden Him at all. God says: It is a light thing for Me to do this for you. Your load, though heavy for you, is not heavy for Him. Christ carries the whole on one shoulder, not two shoulders. The government of the world is upon His shoulder. He is not struggling and groaning with it. His mighty …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Out of the Deep of Fear and Anxiety.
My heart is disquieted within me. Tearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and an horrible dread hath overwhelmed me.--Ps. lv. 4. Thou hast proved and visited my heart in the night season--Ps. xvii. 3. Nevertheless though I am sometimes afraid, yet put I my trust in Thee.--Ps. lv. 3. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?--Ps. xxvii. 1. I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fear.--Ps. …
Charles Kingsley—Out of the Deep

The Arrest
Our study of the closing scenes of the life of our Lord begins at the point where He fell into the hands of the representatives of justice; and this took place at the gate of Gethsemane and at the midnight hour. On the eastern side of Jerusalem, the ground slopes downwards to the bed of the Brook Kedron; and on the further side of the stream rises the Mount of Olives. The side of the hill was laid out in gardens or orchards belonging to the inhabitants of the city; and Gethsemane was one of these. …
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ

If Then to Sin, that Others May not Commit a Worse Sin...
21. If then to sin, that others may not commit a worse sin, either against us or against any, without doubt we ought not; it is to be considered in that which Lot did, whether it be an example which we ought to imitate, or rather one which we ought to avoid. For it seems meet to be more looked into and noted, that, when so horrible an evil from the most flagitious impiety of the Sodomites was impending over his guests, which he wished to ward off and was not able, to such a degree may even that just …
St. Augustine—Against Lying

Patrick, the Apostle of the Irish.
THIS remarkable man was prepared by very peculiar circumstances for his important work; and in his instance also it may be seen, how that infinite wisdom which guides the development of the kingdom of God amongst men, is able to bring great things out of what seems insignificant to the eyes of men. Patrick, called in his native tongue Succath, was born A. D. 372, in a village between the Scottish towns of Dumbarton and Glasgow, (then appended to England,) in the village of Bonaven, since named in …
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places

Concerning Persecution
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 We are now come to the last beatitude: Blessed are they which are persecuted . . '. Our Lord Christ would have us reckon the cost. Which of you intending to build a tower sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether he have enough to finish it?' (Luke 14:28). Religion will cost us the tears of repentance and the blood of persecution. But we see here a great encouragement that may …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New.
1. Introduction, showing the necessity of proving the similarity of both dispensations in opposition to Servetus and the Anabaptists. 2. This similarity in general. Both covenants truly one, though differently administered. Three things in which they entirely agree. 3. First general similarity, or agreement--viz. that the Old Testament, equally with the New, extended its promises beyond the present life, and held out a sure hope of immortality. Reason for this resemblance. Objection answered. 4. …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Letter Xlv (Circa A. D. 1120) to a Youth Named Fulk, who Afterwards was Archdeacon of Langres
To a Youth Named Fulk, Who Afterwards Was Archdeacon of Langres He gravely warns Fulk, a Canon Regular, whom an uncle had by persuasions and promises drawn back to the world, to obey God and be faithful to Him rather than to his uncle. To the honourable young man Fulk, Brother Bernard, a sinner, wishes such joy in youth as in old age he will not regret. 1. I do not wonder at your surprise; I should wonder if you were not suprised [sic] that I should write to you, a countryman to a citizen, a monk …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Psalm 55:21 NIV
Psalm 55:21 NLT
Psalm 55:21 ESV
Psalm 55:21 NASB
Psalm 55:21 KJV

Psalm 55:21 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Psalm 55:20
Top of Page
Top of Page