May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Hebrew word translated "great things" can also mean "arrogant things" or "proud things." This highlights that the danger isn't just boasting, but specifically claiming a kind of self-sufficiency and defiance against God's authority through one's words. It’s not just talking big, but talking as if one's own tongue is the ultimate source of power and defense.
May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist is deeply troubled by the prevalence of deceitful and boastful speech among people. He laments the apparent absence of faithfulness and truth in the world, leading him to cry out to God for help. This verse expresses a passionate plea for divine intervention against those who use flattering words and arrogant boasts to manipulate and deceive others.
Ever felt wounded by words? This verse reveals that such speech isn't just annoying – it's deeply destructive, and David cries out for God's intervention.
David isn't just complaining about everyday chatter; he's exposing a dangerous weapon: the 'flattering lip' and the 'tongue that speaks proud things.'
A Two-Edged Sword
The Devastation of Lies
Calvin notes that these 'envenomed tongues' can be more deadly than swords. When lies and arrogance are spoken by those in positions of influence (like court calumniators, as Calvin suggests), they don't just harm individuals; they can corrupt society and undermine truth itself.
When words become weapons, who do you turn to? David doesn't just lament; he calls on the ultimate judge to act.
The strong language in this verse isn't just a description of evil; it's a fervent prayer, an 'imprecation,' for God's justice.
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God's Role in Justice
A Model for Our Prayers
This shows us that it's okay, even right, to bring our deepest frustrations with injustice and evil directly to God in prayer. We can trust Him to handle those who wield their words like weapons.
What does it mean when people 'speak great things'? This verse reveals it's not just arrogance, but a deeper defiance.
The 'tongue that speaketh proud things' isn't just someone bragging. It's a significant theological statement about their view of God and themselves.
The Root of Proud Speech
Modern Echoes
In a world that often celebrates radical independence and self-creation, it's crucial to recognize when self-sufficiency crosses the line into a proud defiance of the One who truly holds all power. True strength and authority belong to God alone.
Understand the original words
kârath · Hebrew Verb
To divide, destroy, or terminate; in this context, it refers to God's judgment upon the wicked or their deceptive influence.
madbereth gᵉdôlôth · Hebrew Phrase
Arrogant, proud, or self-exalting speech; expressing a belief in one’s own sufficiency apart from God's sovereignty.
This psalm reflects a time of intense courtly intrigue and danger for David, likely during his persecution by King Saul. The 'flattering lips' and 'boasting tongues' David laments were the whispers and lies of courtiers seeking favor or aiming to harm him, highlighting the real-world consequences of deceitful speech in high-stakes political environments.
c. 1020-1015 BC— this verse
David's Early Ministry
David, a skilled musician and warrior, rises to prominence but faces growing jealousy from King Saul. This period is marked by political intrigue and the threat of betrayal.
c. 1015 BC
Saul's Growing Paranoia
King Saul becomes increasingly suspicious and insecure, seeing David as a rival. This atmosphere encourages sycophants and false accusers within the court.
c. 1015-1013 BC
David's Flight and Exile
David is forced to flee from Saul's presence, living as a fugitive. During this time, he experiences betrayal and must rely on God amidst deceitful people.
This proverb directly contrasts those whose tongue is a source of strife with those whose speech brings healing, highlighting the destructive power of boastful and deceitful words that Psalm 12:3 condemns.
James 3:5-6James powerfully illustrates how the tongue, though small, can cause immense destruction and corruption, mirroring the Psalmist's concern for 'flattering lips' and 'tongues that speak proud things'.
Daniel 7:8This passage describes a 'little horn' that speaks 'great and blasphemous words,' echoing the theme of arrogant speech that claims power and authority, as seen in the 'tongue that speaketh proud things'.
Luke 12:1-3Jesus warns about the 'leaven of the Pharisees,' which is hypocrisy, and declares that 'nothing is covered that will not be revealed,' a fitting reminder that deceptive and boastful speech will ultimately be exposed by God.
calvinPsalms 12:3-4: "The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:"
- Let Jehovah cut off all flattering tips, and the tongue that speaketh great [or proud] things: 4. Those who have said we will be strengthened by our tongues; our lips are in our own power: who is lord over us?
To his complaint in the preceding verse he now subjoins an imprecation, that God would cut off deceitful tongues. It is uncertain whether he wishes that deceitful men may be utterly…
clarkePsalms 12:3: "The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:"
Proud things - גדלות gedoloth, great things; great swelling words, both in their promises and in their commendations.
The Hebrew word translated "great things" can also mean "arrogant things" or "proud things." This highlights that the danger isn't just boasting, but specifically claiming a kind of self-sufficiency and defiance against God's authority through one's words. It’s not just talking big, but talking as if one's own tongue is the ultimate source of power and defense.
The psalmist is deeply troubled by the prevalence of deceitful and boastful speech among people. He laments the apparent absence of faithfulness and truth in the world, leading him to cry out to God for help. This verse expresses a passionate plea for divine intervention against those who use flattering words and arrogant boasts to manipulate and deceive others.
The psalmist is deeply troubled by the prevalence of deceitful and boastful speech among people. He laments the apparent absence of faithfulness and truth in the world, leading him to cry out to God for help. This verse expresses a passionate plea for divine intervention against those who use flattering words and arrogant boasts to manipulate and deceive others.
"May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts," — The Hebrew word translated "great things" can also mean "arrogant things" or "proud things." This highlights that the danger isn't just boasting, but specifically claiming a kind of self-sufficiency…
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Last reviewed October 2026