They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent. Viper’s poison is under their lips.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 3. And. Hebrew “keep guard at the door of my lips,” (Mont.) or “on the poverty of,” and so forth (Saint Jerome) that I may not speak too much, or imprudently; as I shall do, if left to myself. Bible.—Houbigant rejects this version, which is very expressive. Bert. Sirach 28:28.—Hebrew dal is rendered “elevation,” (Chal.) and may here stand for “a door.” Nature has included the tongue within a double restraint of the teeth and lips, to counteract its too great volubility. Theod.—David prays that he may not be unguarded in his speech. He always spoke to Saul with the greatest respect. 1 Kennicott. 24:18. Calmet.—The lips must be like a door, neither always open, when we ought to be silent, nor always shut, when we should confess our sins. Worthington.