They say, "With our tongues we will prevail. We own our lips--who can be our master?" They say,The psalmist exposes the proud speech of the ungodly who flourish through lies, flattery, and oppression while the faithful suffer. Mal 3:13-15 “Your words against Me have been harsh,” says the LORD.… “With our tongues we will prevail. They trust in persuasive and deceptive words as instruments of power, believing that speech can secure victory without regard for truth, justice, or God’s judgment. Psa 64:3-4 who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim… We own our lips— They claim absolute independence over their speech and reject the truth that every word is spoken before the Lord, who calls His people to use their mouths for righteousness and edification. Exo 4:11 And the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth?… who can be our master?” Their defiance resembles Pharaoh’s refusal to acknowledge the Lord’s authority. Though they imagine themselves beyond restraint, God hears the oppressed and will judge every boastful word. Exo 5:2 But Pharaoh replied, “Who is the LORD that I should… Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 12, David is expressing concern over the deceitful and boastful speech of the wicked. 2. The Wicked The individuals who are speaking arrogantly and deceitfully, believing they are accountable to no one. 3. God Implicit in the text as the ultimate judge and master, contrasting the wicked's claim of self-mastery. 4. Israel The broader community affected by the deceit and arrogance of the wicked, often the context for David's psalms. 5. The Righteous Those who are oppressed or troubled by the deceitful words of the wicked, seeking God's intervention. Teaching Points The Power of WordsWords have the power to build up or destroy. As believers, we must be mindful of our speech, recognizing its potential impact. Accountability to God Despite the wicked's claim of self-mastery, all are ultimately accountable to God. We should live with the awareness that our words and actions are subject to His judgment. The Illusion of Self-Sufficiency The wicked believe they are their own masters, but this is an illusion. True freedom and mastery come from submission to God. Guarding Our Speech As followers of Christ, we are called to guard our tongues and speak truthfully, reflecting God's character in our communication. Seeking God's Intervention In times of deceit and arrogance around us, we should turn to God for justice and protection, trusting in His sovereignty. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the attitude of the wicked in Psalm 12:4 reflect a misunderstanding of true authority and mastery?2. In what ways can we ensure that our speech aligns with the teachings of Christ, as seen in James 3 and 1 Peter 3? 3. How can we apply the principle of accountability for our words in our daily interactions, considering Matthew 12:36-37? 4. What practical steps can we take to guard our tongues and promote truth in our communities, in light of Proverbs 18:21? 5. How does understanding the power of words influence our approach to conflict resolution and communication within the church? Connections to Other Scriptures James 3:5-6This passage discusses the power of the tongue, emphasizing how small but influential it can be, much like the boastful claims in Psalm 12:4. Proverbs 18:21 Highlights the power of the tongue to bring life or death, connecting to the destructive potential of the wicked's speech. Matthew 12:36-37 Jesus speaks about being accountable for every careless word, countering the wicked's belief that they have no master. Romans 3:13-14 Paul describes the sinful nature of humanity, including deceitful speech, echoing the themes of Psalm 12. 1 Peter 3:10 Encourages believers to keep their tongues from evil, contrasting the behavior of the wicked in Psalm 12:4. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Lips, Master, Mightily, Mighty, Ours, Overcome, Prevail, Tongue, Tongues, TriumphDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 12:1-7Library The Pharisee and the PublicanTwo men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a Publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself; God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this Publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the Publican, standing afar off would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.-- Luke, xviii. 10-13. In the beginning … John Bunyan—The Pharisee And Publican Paul's Departure and Crown; A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican The Scriptures Opposition to Messiah Ruinous The Holiness of God Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and the New Testament Psalms Links Psalm 12:4 NIVPsalm 12:4 NLT Psalm 12:4 ESV Psalm 12:4 NASB Psalm 12:4 KJV Psalm 12:4 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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