Psalms 55:21

21 His words are slippery like butter, but war is in his heart. His words are smoother than oil, but they cut like knives.

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.


FOOTNOTES:

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

Psalms 55:21 In-Context

19 God who lives forever will hear me and punish them.Selah But they will not change; they do not fear God.
20 The one who was my friend attacks his friends and breaks his promises.
21 His words are slippery like butter, but war is in his heart. His words are smoother than oil, but they cut like knives.
22 Give your worries to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will never let good people down.
23 But, God, you will bring down the wicked to the grave. Murderers and liars will live only half a lifetime. But I will trust in you.
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.