Psalms 55:21

21 His talk is as smooth as butter. But he has war in his heart. His words flow like olive oil. But they are like swords ready for battle.

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 sits on his throne forever. He hears my prayers and makes my enemies suffer. "Selah" They never change their ways. They don't have any respect for God.

20 My companion attacks his friends. He breaks his promise.

21 His talk is as smooth as butter. But he has war in his heart. His words flow like olive oil. But they are like swords ready for battle.

22 Turn your worries over to the Lord. He will keep you going. He will never let godly people fall.

23 God, you will bring sinners down to the grave. Murderers and liars won't live out even half of their lives. But I trust in you.