Old Testament
Psalms 50:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
You give your mouth to evil, and your tongue frames deceit.
Compare translations
Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.
What Psalms 50:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist highlights the danger of using our words for harmful purposes. It points out that when we speak, we can either promote good or engage in evil. The phrase 'give your mouth to evil' suggests a deliberate choice to speak negatively or falsely, while 'your tongue frames deceit' indicates that our words can construct lies or misleading narratives. This serves as a warning about the power of speech and the responsibility we have to use it wisely. The verse encourages self-reflection on how we communicate and the impact our words can have on others. It reminds us that our speech should align with truth and righteousness, rather than deceit and malice. Ultimately, it calls for integrity in our conversations and a commitment to speak in ways that honor God and uplift others.
How to apply Psalms 50:19 to your life
To apply this verse, we should be mindful of our words and their potential impact. Before speaking, consider whether your words promote truth and kindness or if they lean towards negativity and deceit. Strive to communicate in ways that reflect honesty and integrity, fostering positive relationships.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 50:19
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 50:19
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 50:19 mean?
Psalms 50:19 warns against using our speech for evil purposes. It highlights the choice we make in how we communicate, emphasizing that our words can either promote truth or spread deceit.
What is the meaning of 'give your mouth to evil' in Psalms 50:19?
The phrase 'give your mouth to evil' suggests a conscious decision to speak negatively or harmfully. It indicates that we have the power to choose our words and their impact on others.
How can I apply Psalms 50:19 in my life?
To apply this verse, be mindful of your words and their effects. Before speaking, ask yourself if your words are truthful and kind, and strive to communicate with integrity.
What themes are present in Psalms 50:19?
Key themes in Psalms 50:19 include the power of speech, the danger of deceit, moral responsibility, integrity, and the importance of truthfulness in communication.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.