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Psalm 5:9

ESV For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue.
NIV Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies.
NASB For there is nothing trustworthy in their mouth; Their inward part is destruction itself. Their throat is an open grave; They flatter with their tongue.
CSB For there is nothing reliable in what they say; destruction is within them; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongues.
NLT My enemies cannot speak a truthful word. Their deepest desire is to destroy others. Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with flattery.
KJV For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.

What does Psalm 5:9 mean?

David's prayer includes a description of his enemies (Psalm 3:1). They are deceitful, malicious, given to corrupt language, and flatterers. Absalom, David's son, had won a large following through flattery and deceit (2 Samuel 15:1–6), and he and his men pursued David in an effort to kill him (2 Samuel 15:13–14).

David was completely different from Absalom. Despite the attempted coup and murder, David commanded his men not to harm Absalom. Second Samuel 18:5 records his orders to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai: "Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom." However, Joab disobeyed David's order; he and his armorbearers killed Absalom (2 Samuel 18:14–16). When David heard about this killing, he mourned deeply, crying out, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!" (2 Samuel 18:33). David believed vengeance belonged to the Lord.

Even when severely persecuted, God's people should not retaliate but leave matters in the Lord's hands. Romans 12:19 commands: "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'"
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