Psalm 37 30

Psalm 37:30 kjv

The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

Psalm 37:30 nkjv

The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, And his tongue talks of justice.

Psalm 37:30 niv

The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just.

Psalm 37:30 esv

The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.

Psalm 37:30 nlt

The godly offer good counsel;
they teach right from wrong.

Psalm 37 verses

Psalm 37 30 Meaning

The verse declares that the words emanating from a righteous person are rooted in divine wisdom and characterized by truthful justice. It speaks to the inner nature of a person, where righteousness produces speech that reflects God's character, guiding others towards integrity and moral clarity. Such speech is not superficial but flows from deep meditation and alignment with God's ways.

Psalm 37 30 Context

Psalm 37 serves as a wisdom psalm, contrasting the temporary prosperity of the wicked with the enduring blessedness of the righteous. Throughout the chapter, David urges the reader not to fret over evildoers but to trust in the Lord and do good. This verse specifically describes a characteristic outflow of a person aligned with God: their speech. It forms part of a series of descriptive traits of the righteous, indicating that their life, including their words, stands in stark contrast to the destructive words and deeds of the wicked, who are the focus of earlier verses in the Psalm.

Psalm 37 30 Word analysis

• The mouth (Pêh, פֶּה): Not merely a physical orifice but the organ of utterance and a conduit for one's inner thoughts and intentions. It signifies the external expression of internal character. In biblical thought, the mouth reveals the heart (Lk 6:45).
• of the righteous (Tzaddiq, צַדִּיק): A person who is just, innocent, in right standing with God. Their righteousness is not self-derived but comes from faithful obedience to God and aligns with His character. This standing leads to a life marked by integrity.
• utters (Hāgāh, הָגָה): This verb suggests more than casual speaking. It implies a deep rumination, a thoughtful meditation, or even a low, continuous murmuring. It denotes the production of sounds from profound thought, meaning the wisdom is carefully considered and deeply ingrained before it is expressed.
• wisdom (Chokmâh, חָכְמָה): Practical, moral intelligence rooted in reverence for God. It is not merely intellectual knowledge but the ability to apply truth effectively and live discerningly in God's world, encompassing moral, ethical, and spiritual understanding.
• and his tongue (Lāshōn, לָשׁוֹן): The instrument of speech, closely associated with communication. Emphasizes the power and agency of communication, further underscoring the nature of the words themselves.
• speaks (Yĕdabbēr, יְדַבֵּר): A straightforward verb for speaking, conveying direct and intentional communication.
• justice (Mishpāṭ, מִשְׁפָּט): Refers to judgment, ordinance, right, or equity. It means speech that is fair, truthful, righteous, and in alignment with God's standards and laws. It includes advice, pronouncements, or teachings that guide others toward truth and right action.

Words-group analysis

• "The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom": This phrase highlights that the source of the righteous person's words is their inner state of righteousness, and the output is wisdom. The verb "utters" (Hāgāh) emphasizes that this wisdom is not a casual utterance but something deeply contemplated and meditated upon, flowing from an inner wellspring of truth.
• "and his tongue speaks justice": This parallel clause reinforces the first. While "wisdom" encompasses broad understanding, "justice" (mishpat) specifically points to fairness, truth, and alignment with God's law. It suggests that the righteous person's speech provides equitable guidance, upholds truth, and promotes right behavior, reflecting God's character as the ultimate Judge and standard of righteousness. The two phrases together portray a consistent outflow of words that are both discerning and morally upright.

Psalm 37 30 Bonus section

The qualities of "wisdom" and "justice" attributed to the speech of the righteous in this verse are fundamental attributes of God Himself. When the righteous person speaks these, they are in essence reflecting the very character of their Creator. This aligns with the New Testament concept of being conformed to the image of Christ and living out the fruit of the Spirit, which includes goodness and righteousness. This verse implicitly sets a standard for Christian communication, encouraging believers to seek discernment and speak truth, always aiming to bless and instruct according to God's principles, rather than to engage in idle chatter, gossip, or destructive criticism.

Psalm 37 30 Commentary

Psalm 37:30 concisely describes the defining characteristic of a truly righteous individual: their speech. Unlike the deceitful and destructive words of the wicked, the righteous person's words are an emanation of divine wisdom and integrity. This wisdom (chokmâh) is not simply human intellect but a godly discernment that shapes thoughts and expressions. The term "utters" (hāgāh) conveys a sense of meditation and careful thought, implying that such words are not accidental but flow from a deeply rooted conviction and alignment with God's truth. Consequently, their tongue naturally speaks "justice" (mishpat), which means their communication is equitable, truthful, and aligns with God's moral standards. Their words are a force for good, building up, teaching, and reflecting the divine order rather than causing harm or deceit.