Psalms 34:13
What does Psalms 34:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 34:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 34:13 means
As part of his instruction on how to live a good life, David begins with the critical area of speech. He commands the listener to actively "keep thy tongue from evil" and "thy lips from speaking guile." This emphasizes the power of words either to cause harm or to foster good. "Evil" refers to any destructive or harmful speech, while "guile" points to deceit or trickery. This instruction highlights the necessity of self-control in communication, promoting honesty and integrity as foundational elements of a life that truly fears the Lord and seeks good.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Keep thy tongue from evil, And thy lips from speaking guile.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Keep thy tongue from evil, And thy lips from speaking guile.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from words of deceit.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Keep thy tongue from evil, And thy lips from speaking deceit.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But as for me, when they were troublesome to me, I was clothed with haircloth. I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer shall be turned into my bosom.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile;
Context
Following the question about desiring a good life in verse 12, David immediately begins to provide concrete instruction, starting with the control of the tongue. This verse initiates the practical guidance on righteous living, establishing speech as a crucial area for godly conduct. It directly precedes other behavioral commands, forming a sequence of actions necessary for securing the desirable life previously mentioned.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 14:4
These are they that were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they that follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were purchased from among men, to be the firstfruits unto God and unto the Lamb.
- James 1:19
Ye knowthis, my beloved brethren. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
- Proverbs 21:23
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue Keepeth his soul from troubles.
- Proverbs 12:22
Lying lips are an abomination to Jehovah; But they that deal truly are his delight.
- Matthew 12:35
The good man out of his good treasure bringeth forth good things: and the evil man out of his evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
- 1 Peter 2:1
Putting away therefore all wickedness, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
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