What does Psalm 120:3 mean?

Psalm 120:3 highlights themes such as falsehood, consequences, speech when read in context.

How should I apply Psalm 120:3 today?

Read the surrounding passage, compare related cross references, and turn the verse into a short prayer and concrete action.

What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?

1In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.

2Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.

3What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?

4Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.

5Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!

falsehoodconsequencesspeech

Proverbs 12:22
Both verses emphasize the importance of truthful speech.
James 3:6
James warns about the destructive power of the tongue, relating to the false tongue in this verse.
Matthew 12:36
Jesus teaches that people will give account for every careless word, connecting to the theme of speech.