Psalm 50:20 speaks directly against hypocritical religious behavior. It criticizes those who outwardly appear to be pious but inwardly harbor and express malice towards their family, specifically:
"You sit and speak against your brother": This means someone who actively finds fault and spreads gossip or malicious statements about their own sibling. "Sit" might imply doing so comfortably and habitually, as if it's a regular practice.
"You slander your own mother’s son": This intensifies the accusation, emphasizing the close familial bond. Slander involves making false and damaging statements to ruin someone's reputation. "Mother's son" underscores the shared origin and inherent connection that should foster love and protection, not betrayal and defamation.
In essence, the verse condemns those who are quick to judge and condemn even their own family members. It suggests that true righteousness involves love, loyalty, and protecting the reputation of one's kin, rather than tearing them down with words. This hypocrisy of appearing devout while acting uncharitably towards family is something the Psalmist is trying to highlight as unacceptable to God.
Psalm 50:20 speaks directly against hypocritical religious behavior. It criticizes those who outwardly appear to be pious but inwardly harbor and express malice towards their family, specifically:
"You sit and speak against your brother": This means someone who actively finds fault and spreads gossip or malicious statements about their own sibling. "Sit" might imply doing so comfortably and habitually, as if it's a regular practice.
"You slander your own mother’s son": This intensifies the accusation, emphasizing the close familial bond. Slander involves making false and damaging statements to ruin someone's reputation. "Mother's son" underscores the shared origin and inherent connection that should foster love and protection, not betrayal and defamation.
In essence, the verse condemns those who are quick to judge and condemn even their own family members. It suggests that true righteousness involves love, loyalty, and protecting the reputation of one's kin, rather than tearing them down with words. This hypocrisy of appearing devout while acting uncharitably towards family is something the Psalmist is trying to highlight as unacceptable to God.