Deadly Words
Let the lying lips be mute, which speak insolently against the righteous in pride and contempt.
PSALM 31:18
+
Deadly Words
Deceitful lips become dumb . . . when they are removed by death and borne away in the wrath of punishment, so that they can no longer rage against God's righteousness. Thus we read in Psalm 63:11: "The mouth of those who speak evil is stopped"; and in Psalm 107:42: “All iniquity shall stop its mouth"; and in Psalm 75:5: "Do not speak iniquity against God." But this is the iniquity which they speak against God, because they oppose the righteous Christ and His righteousness, as if it were neither necessary nor useful, as if their own were enough. This is evil and against God. He wants this righteousness of Christ and indeed demands it. Therefore John says, "If we say that we have no sin, we make God a liar" (1 John 1:10). This is so because He Himself has asserted that we have sin, and He sent His Son into death for our sins [since Scripture everywhere promises righteousness and truth on His account, it follows that there was none on earth], as all the prophets testify, Isaiah 53:8: "For the wickedness of My people have I struck Him."
From First Lectures on the Psalms, on Psalm 31 (Luther's Works 10:143-44)
April 18
PSALM 31:18
+
Deadly Words
Deceitful lips become dumb . . . when they are removed by death and borne away in the wrath of punishment, so that they can no longer rage against God's righteousness. Thus we read in Psalm 63:11: "The mouth of those who speak evil is stopped"; and in Psalm 107:42: “All iniquity shall stop its mouth"; and in Psalm 75:5: "Do not speak iniquity against God." But this is the iniquity which they speak against God, because they oppose the righteous Christ and His righteousness, as if it were neither necessary nor useful, as if their own were enough. This is evil and against God. He wants this righteousness of Christ and indeed demands it. Therefore John says, "If we say that we have no sin, we make God a liar" (1 John 1:10). This is so because He Himself has asserted that we have sin, and He sent His Son into death for our sins [since Scripture everywhere promises righteousness and truth on His account, it follows that there was none on earth], as all the prophets testify, Isaiah 53:8: "For the wickedness of My people have I struck Him."
From First Lectures on the Psalms, on Psalm 31 (Luther's Works 10:143-44)
April 18
Posted in Daily Devotions
Recent
Archive
2025
January
Not AshamedIn Every RespectWe Are In His HouseHear His VoiceTodayBut You BelieveRest in ChristRest in FaithRest in Christ’s WordConfidence in Our Great High PriestOur Eternal High PriestCalled by GracePerfect Through SufferingA Little MilkFoundationGod Comes to UsFaith in ChristObtaining the PromiseThe King of PeaceBlessed by the SuperiorA Priest Forever in ChristThe Forever PriestA Better HopeOur Eternal IntercessorOur Perfect High PriestOur Eternal High PriestThe Better Covenant in ChristA New CovenantPromises KeptOnly The High PriestNot the Blood of Goats
February
Only at DeathOnce and For AllImpossibleThe Perfect SacrificeThe Once-for-All SacrificeOnce for AllForgiven Once for AllDraw Near with a True HeartA Fearful ThingRemembering with JoyEnduranceOf Things Not SeenBecause of LoveBy FaithThe Builder is GodAs Good As DeadStrangers HereFaith in the God Who ProvidesFaith Looks Beyond the PresentBy Faith, Not FearBy Faith, Not by SightFaith That EnduresPerfected in ChristEyes on JesusDisciplineCast His Eye On YouIt HurtsWeak Knees
March
Strive for PeaceNo Fire For YouMount ZionAn Unshakable KingdomA Kingdom That Cannot Be ShakenBrotherly Love in ChristConfidence in ChristSteadfast in ChristOutside the CampSacrifices of PraiseJoyful Obedience in ChristPray for Your PastorsEquipped by the Blood of ChristEncouragement in ChristGrace Be With You AllGod’s Sovereign HandFaithful in a Foreign LandFaithful in the Small ThingsTrusting GodWisdom from AboveEarthly Wisdom Fails, But Christ ReignsTrue Wisdom and the CrossThe Wisdom of Man FailsConfidence in God's MercyGod of Mercy and MightA Deliverer Sent by GodNo Wisdom but ChristThe Kingdom That EnduresThe Rock That Stands ForeverEarthly Kingdoms CrumbleThe Kingdom That Stands Forever