Psaume 34:13

13 Préserve ta langue du mal, Et tes lèvres des paroles trompeuses;

Psaume 34:13 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 34:13

Keep thy tongue from evil
This, and what follows in this verse and ( Psalms 34:14 ) , point at the things wherein the fear of God shows itself; and suggest, that those who have it, and which is known by these fruits, shall enjoy the desirable and good days before mentioned. The tongue is an instrument of much evil, an unruly member, and needs restraint; and it is from evil, and not from good, it is to be kept; from evil speaking of God, from cursing and swearing; from evil speaking of men, reproaching and reviling them; from filthy speaking, from all obscene and unchaste words, and from all lying ones; for where such evil speaking is indulged, the fear of God cannot be in that man;

and thy lips from speaking guile;
hypocritical and deceitful words, speaking with flattering lips and a double heart: some speak bad words in common conversation, through an evil habit and custom; and some speak good words with an ill design; and in neither of them is the fear of God before their eyes, nor in their hearts.

Psaume 34:13 In-Context

11 Venez, mes fils, écoutez-moi! Je vous enseignerai la crainte de l'Eternel.
12 Quel est l'homme qui aime la vie, Qui désire la prolonger pour jouir du bonheur?
13 Préserve ta langue du mal, Et tes lèvres des paroles trompeuses;
14 Eloigne-toi du mal, et fais le bien; Recherche et poursuis la paix.
15 Les yeux de l'Eternel sont sur les justes, Et ses oreilles sont attentives à leurs cris.
The Louis Segond 1910 is in the public domain.