Psalm 12:4

The Godly Are No More · Psalm 12:1–8
Read Psalm 12

Translations

Modern
They say, “With our tongues we will prevail. We own our lips—who can be our master?”
Traditional
Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?
Literal
…those who have said, “By our tongues we will prevail; our lips are with us; who is lord over us?”
Latin
Qui dixerunt: Linguam nostram magnificabimus; labia nostra a nobis sunt. Quis noster dominus est?

Original

Hebrew
English
They say, “With our tongues we will prevail. We own our lips—who can be our master?”

Notes

The words they say reveal the character of the wicked. They deceive and overpower the godly and arrogantly question the Lord’s purposes.

Evil becomes so widespread that the godly pray for rescue (Isaiah 57:1; Micah 7:2; compare Psalms 1:6; 37:20; 58:7; 104:35).

This prayer from the community asks the Lord for help against the many evil acts in the world. Because God answers, the godly can face the future with confidence, knowing that God protects them.

Theme notes and profiles

David

Glossary

David Music Neighbor Psalms, Book of Sheminith

Topics

Infidelity: General Scriptures Concerning Pride: General Scriptures Concerning Speaking: Evil