The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.
All Commentaries on Psalms 55:21 Go To Psalms 55
George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
They are divided Dispersed, scattered, and brought to nothing, by the wrath of God, who looks with indignation on their wicked and deceitful ways. (Challoner)
They are separated from the good, (St. Jerome) slain by a look, 2 Thessalonians ii. 8.
Near, or fought, ver. 19. (Calmet)
Some translate, "they have divided the butter, like words of his mouth. "But this is less accurate, and the same idea is conveyed in the next words. (Berthier)
Protestants, "The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart. His words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords. "(Haydock)
My enemy has violated every law, under the appearance of friendship. (Calmet)
Darts. Absalom kissed the men of Israel to delude them, (2 Kings xv. 2.) and the traitor gave this sign to those who came to seize our Saviour, Matthew xxvi. 48. (Calmet)
The words of God are most excellent in themselves, but they seem hard to the incredulous. Thus the Capharnaites gave rise to the first heresy against the words of Christ, which St. Peter piously believed, though, as yet, he did not comprehend their meaning, John vi. (St. Augustine) (Worthington)
His heart and words may thus be understood of God: but they more probably relate to any one of David's numerous enemies, who is thus singled out. (Haydock)
