Lies from the Grave: What Our Words Reveal and the War We’re In
Psalm 5:9, Ancient Deceit, and Today’s Battle for Truth
"Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
their heart is filled with malice.
Their throat is an open grave;
with their tongues they tell lies."
— Psalm 5:9 (NIV)
The phrase "their throat is an open grave" stuck with me—what a raw, graphic image. Not just because it speaks of death, but because it connects speech to spiritual decay.
David isn't merely calling out gossip or harsh talk—he’s describing a deeper condition: a heart so filled with malice that even words bring death.
And here’s the part that stirs me: this isn’t just about “them.”
This is a warning for us—for our culture, our churches, and our homes.
What we say reveals what we serve.
Context: What Was David Facing?
Psalm 5 is a morning prayer of protection. David is surrounded by enemies—some physical, even his son, many verbal. He's asking God to guard his life and guide his path in a world filled with deceit.
He calls out the surrounding lies, not just because they hurt him, but because they oppose God’s righteousness.
These people were saying whatever would serve their selfish cause.
Their hearts were corrupted, and their mouths followed.
David knows this isn’t just slander—it’s spiritual war.
Ancient Lies Israel Faced
The people of God have always been surrounded by lies that tempt them to compromise, drift, or forget who they are.
Here are some of the most dangerous lies Israel encountered:
"You can worship God and idols."
– The mixing of faith was constant. But God is not one among many. He’s the only One.
(See: 1 Kings 18)"God won’t see or care."
– A lie that leads to careless sin and secret compromise.
(Psalm 94:7)"You will not surely die."
– The serpent’s lie never went away—it just evolved.
(Genesis 3)"The prophets speak peace."
– False teachers told the people what they wanted to hear, not what they needed.
(Jeremiah 6:14)
Top Lies Christians Hear Today
These same lies still echo—but now they’ve got new packaging.
Here are some of the most dangerous lies modern believers face. What are some that you see?
"You are what you feel."
Truth is redefined as personal emotion. Feelings can change, but God’s word does not. As a brother recently taught, we continue to learn about Him in eternity, which in Christlike for, will make us more in love in eternity.
Scripture says our hearts can deceive us (Jer. 17:9); God’s Word is the standard (Mat. 24:25).
"God just wants you to be happy."
Twists God’s goodness into a license for sin or self-focus.
God calls us to holiness over happiness (1 Peter 1:16).
"You’re too broken for God to use."
A lie that silences people from walking in purpose.
Yet God used Moses, Rahab, Paul—flawed but faithful.
"You can follow Jesus without sacrificing anything."
Tries to separate grace from surrender.
Jesus says, “Take up your cross daily” (Luke 9:23).
"Your worth is in your performance."
Rooted in perfectionism or legalism.
Our worth is in what Christ has done—not what we can earn. Yes, we still act in obedience to please God, but that is the overflow of being with God first.
"Truth is relative."
A modern attack on God’s authority.
Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
How Do We Fight Back?
With discernment. With Scripture. With bold, humble voices who will speak life, not death.
Ask yourself:
What lies have I been listening to lately?
Are my words healing or harming?
Do I speak from overflow or from emptiness?
Never Finished Challenge: Speak Life
Let’s flip the script. Let’s speak like warriors who know who we are and whose we are.
This week:
1. Identify One Lie You’ve Believed
Write it down. Call it what it is. It could even be someone trying to stop what you are called to do.
2. Replace It With God’s Truth
Find a verse that demolishes it. Say it out loud every morning.
3. Speak Life Over Someone Else
Encourage someone intentionally—text, voice memo, or face-to-face. Be specific. Be bold. You might interrupt their own lie spiral.
4. Guard Your Mouth Like a Soldier Guards a Gate
Before posting, venting, or reacting—ask: “Will this bring life or spread decay?”
You were not made to echo lies from the grave.
You were made to proclaim life from resurrection.
*Want to spend daily time recalibrating and transforming your life? Try this exercise from Dr. Ken Boa’s, who we are in Christ. Record them and listen to them every day, first thing in the morning, after surrendering your day to God. Or, write one down every day until it is ingrained in your life. Reach back out and let me know how it went!
What does today say about God?
If we live in a world full of lies, as sinful beings, yet are given truth that will give us a world full of perfection, that tells me God is perfectly merciful.
We deserved death, but He made a way for us despite our choosing death to give us life.
What a Father,
What a Friend,
What a King.
I remember the lies like you’ve got this. Or just do you. But really Gods got me. And I’m just a vessel for Christ on this earth for a short blip.