Psalms 34:13

13 [If you do,] keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceiving talk;

Psalms 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.

Psalms 34:13 In-Context

11 Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of ADONAI.

12 Which of you takes pleasure in living? Who wants a long life to see good things?

13 [If you do,] keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceiving talk;

14 turn from evil, and do good; seek peace, go after it!

15 The eyes of ADONAI watch over the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry.