Psalms 55:21

21 His words were smoother than cream, but there was hatred in his heart; his words were as soothing as oil, but they cut like sharp swords.

Psalms 55:21 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 55:21

[The words] of his mouth were smoother than butter
Such were the words of Ahithophel, when in counsel with David; and such the words of Judas, when he said to Christ, "hail, master", and kissed him, ( Matthew 26:49 ) ;

but war [was] in his heart;
even a civil war, rebellion against his prince; that was what Ahithophel meditated in his heart; and nothing less than to take away the life of Christ was designed by Judas. The words may be rendered, "they were divided" ^F5; that is, his mouth and his heart: "his mouth [was] butter, and his heart war"; the one declared for peace, when the other intended war; see ( Jeremiah 9:8 ) ;

his words were softer than oil;
at one time full of soothing and flattery:

yet [were] they drawn swords:
at another time sharp and cutting, breathing out threatening and slaughter, destruction and death.

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FOOTNOTES:

F5 (wqlx) (diemerisyhsan) , Sept. "divisi sunt", V. L. Hammond.

Psalms 55:21 In-Context

19 God, who has ruled from eternity, will hear me and defeat them; for they refuse to change, and they do not fear him.

20 My former companion attacked his friends; he broke his promises.

21 His words were smoother than cream, but there was hatred in his heart; his words were as soothing as oil, but they cut like sharp swords.

22 Leave your troubles with the Lord, and he will defend you; he never lets honest people be defeated.

23 But you, O God, will bring those murderers and liars to their graves before half their life is over. As for me, I will trust in you.