The mouth of the wicked, their thoughts filled with deceit, and their lying tongue reveal the corruption that dwells within their hearts. Scripture consistently teaches that words are not neutral; they are the overflow of what resides inside a person. When the heart is perverse, the mouth becomes an instrument of fraud, manipulation, and destruction. Such ways do not lead to life, but to perdition. The path of the wicked is marked by lies, violence, and disregard for both God and neighbor.
Throughout the Psalms, David often describes the character of the wicked in vivid and unsettling language. He does not exaggerate or invent their behavior; he describes reality as he experiences it. Wicked men are not merely flawed or mistaken; they are actively hostile to righteousness. Their words wound, their schemes deceive, and their actions bring suffering. This is why Scripture does not treat evil lightly. It exposes it, names it, and announces its end.
In the psalm we are considering in this article, the psalmist cries out to God and asks for the destruction of evil men. This is not a request born out of personal bitterness alone, but a plea for divine justice. These men are described as having hearts full of evil, committing recklessness without considering the harm they inflict on others. Their arrogance blinds them, and their confidence in wrongdoing convinces them they will never be held accountable.
David’s prayer reflects a deep trust in God’s justice. He understands that human courts may fail, leaders may be corrupt, and injustice may prevail temporarily. Therefore, he appeals to the highest Judge. This kind of prayer, often called imprecatory, does not contradict God’s mercy. Rather, it affirms that evil must ultimately be confronted and removed for righteousness to prevail.
His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.
Psalm 10:7
This verse exposes the anatomy of wickedness. The mouth of the wicked is described as full—not partially, but completely—of cursing, deceit, and fraud. This indicates a habitual pattern, not an occasional failure. “Under his tongue” suggests hidden intentions, secret plans, and concealed malice. What appears harmless on the surface conceals mischief and vanity underneath.
Words are powerful. God created the world through His Word, and human speech reflects that power in a limited but real way. The wicked misuse this gift. Their words destroy trust, manipulate the vulnerable, and spread falsehood. Fraud is not merely financial deception; it includes every form of dishonesty designed to exploit others. Vanity here refers to emptiness, worthlessness, and moral futility.
David continues his lament by asking, “Why are you so far away, Jehovah? Why do you hide yourself in times of tribulation?” These words reveal the anguish of a faithful warrior who sees evil prosper while the righteous suffer. He recognizes the evil present in these men and is deeply troubled by the apparent silence of God.
This question does not imply unbelief, but honest struggle. Many believers have felt the same tension: Why does God allow the wicked to continue? Why does injustice seem unchecked? David’s prayer gives us permission to bring these questions before God rather than suppress them. Faith does not mean pretending everything is fine; it means trusting God even when understanding is limited.
David’s distress reaches a point where he asks God to act decisively against the wicked. He longs for an end to their oppression, lies, and cruelty. This desire flows from a love for righteousness and a hatred of evil, not from personal vengeance alone. Scripture teaches that God Himself hates wickedness, injustice, and deceit.
From time to time, we have witnessed the evil that dwells in the world. History, daily news, and personal experience testify to the reality of corruption, fraud, and violence. Hearts hardened by sin produce words filled with curses and deception. These patterns are not new; they are as old as humanity itself.
Yet Scripture assures us that evil does not have the final word. Though the wicked may appear powerful, their strength is temporary. God sees every hidden motive, every deceitful word, and every act of injustice. Nothing escapes His notice. The apparent silence of God is not absence, but patience.
God’s judgment is certain and unavoidable. It will fall upon the wicked men who follow corrupt ways, because their mouth is full of deceit and their hearts reject truth. Judgment is not an overreaction; it is the necessary response of a holy God to persistent rebellion. God’s justice restores moral order and defends the oppressed.
The Bible repeatedly warns that deceit is especially offensive to God. Lies distort reality, destroy trust, and undermine community. Fraud exploits others for personal gain. Cursing reveals contempt for both God and man. None of these are pleasing before the Lord. God desires truth in the inward being and integrity in speech.
This psalm serves as both a warning and an invitation. It warns those who walk in deceit that their path leads to destruction. Evil may seem advantageous for a time, but its end is ruin. At the same time, it invites repentance. God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but calls them to turn from their ways and live.
If you recognize yourself in the description of the wicked—if your mouth is filled with lies, curses, or deceit—the call of Scripture is clear: repent. Repentance is not merely regret; it is a turning away from sin and a turning toward God. God’s mercy remains available to all who humble themselves before Him.
For the righteous, this psalm offers comfort. God sees your suffering. He hears your prayers. Though the wicked may oppress for a season, their end is sure. God will arise, judge the wicked, and vindicate those who trust in Him. Justice delayed is not justice denied.
Let us therefore guard our hearts and our mouths. Let our words reflect truth, grace, and righteousness. Let us reject deceit and fraud in all their forms. And when we encounter evil in the world, let us cry out to God with confidence, knowing that He is a righteous Judge who will not ignore wickedness forever.
May we choose the path of integrity rather than deceit, humility rather than arrogance, and truth rather than lies. For the Lord loves righteousness, hates wickedness, and will surely bring justice in His perfect time.