Read Psalms 120 in the King James Bible (opens in a new tab)
Psalm 120 is a cry from a believer surrounded by deceit, slander, and hostile speech. The psalmist appeals to the LORD for deliverance from “lying lips” and a “deceitful tongue,” recognizing that words can be weapons that wound and destabilize peace. God is presented as the righteous Judge who will repay falsehood and expose the emptiness of manipulative speech. The psalm also shows the pain of living among people who love conflict while the faithful desire reconciliation. Its purpose is to train the heart to run to God when the environment is toxic—and to remain peace-seeking without becoming peace-worshiping.
Psalms 120:1 - 120:7
1 A Song of degrees. In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me.
2 Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, [and] from a deceitful tongue.
3 What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?
4 Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.
5 Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, [that] I dwell in the tents of Kedar!
6 My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.
7 I [am for] peace: but when I speak, they [are] for war.