Psalms 5:9

In their mouth. — See margin.

Wickedness. — Properly, an abyss, from root “to fall,” hence in parallelism with “open sepulcher” in next clause. This is an instance of introverted parallelism, “mouth” answering to “tongue.” (See Bible Educator, iii. 50.)

An open sepulchre. — At once dangerous and noisome.

Flatter. — Literally, make smooth the tongue. (Comp. Psalms 12:2.) Shakespeare uses “smooth tongue.” Comp. also —

“The subtle flend,

Though only strong with anger and disdain,
Dissembled, and this answer smooth returned.”

MILTON, Par. Lost.