4:24

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

24a
Put away deception from your mouth ;

24b
keep your lips from perverse speech.

4:24a–b

Put away…keep…from: In this context, these parallel phrases both mean to avoid using this kind of speech. In languages that cannot use a figurative expression such as “keep your lips from” in this context, it may be possible to add emphasis in other ways. For example, some English versions use the words “don’t ever” or “never.” Here is another way to translate this:

don’t ever say things that are not true (New Century Version)

deception…perverse speech: These two parallel phrases refer to all kinds of dishonest speech, including telling lies and testifying falsely in court.

mouth…lips: Both of these words are figures of speech (metonymy) that represent what is spoken by the mouth/lips. Because of this, many English versions do not mention mouth or lips directly, but use a natural expression that refers to speech. For example:

Put away from you crooked speech,

and put devious talk far from you. (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Never say anything that isn’t true. Have nothing to do with lies and misleading words. (Good News Translation)

However, if your language has a natural expression that uses the words “mouth” or “lips” or “tongue,” you are encouraged to use it. For example, the first line in the New Century Version has:

Don’t use your mouth to tell lies (New Century Version)

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