Psalms 12:3
May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse doesn't just condemn those who speak "proud things," but specifically calls out the connection between flattering words and boastful self-reliance, revealing a deep-seated arrogance that believes their own tongues are their ultimate strength. This isn't just empty boasting; it's a declaration of independence from any higher authority, even God.
The psalmist is lamenting the prevalence of deceitful and arrogant speech, observing that "the godly man ceases" and "the faithful fail." In response to this pervasive falsehood and boasting, which he sees as a dangerous plague, he cries out for God's intervention. This verse is a fervent prayer or imprecation, asking the LORD to silence those who use their words to manipulate and to glorify themselves, rather than to speak truth.
Ever feel like words can be weapons? This verse cuts to the heart of why speech can be so dangerous, especially when it's twisted and self-serving.
David is crying out to God because of people who use their words to manipulate and deceive. He calls them out for having 'flattering lips' and tongues that 'speak proud things.' This isn't just idle chatter; it's speech designed to mislead, gain advantage, and elevate themselves.
Smooth Talk, Sharp Sting
Flattery, in this context, isn't just saying nice things. It's often insincere, designed to gain favor or control. Think of someone who tells you exactly what you want to hear, not because it's true, but because they want something from you.
The Boaster's Throne
The 'tongue that speaketh proud things' refers to those who boastfully declare their own power and independence. They rely on their own cleverness and words, essentially saying, 'Who needs God? We've got this.' This kind of prideful speech is a direct challenge to God's authority.
What happens when words are used as weapons of deceit and pride? This verse reveals God's active response to such destructive speech.
David isn't just complaining; he's calling on God to intervene. The phrase 'May the LORD cut off' is a strong imprecation, a plea for divine justice.
Divine Intervention
'Cutting off' implies removal, destruction, or silencing. David is asking God to stop these destructive voices. This isn't about personal revenge, but about seeing God's justice enacted against those who use their speech to harm and mislead.
The Ultimate Consequence
While the immediate context might speak to earthly consequences, the ultimate message is that God will not let such corrupt speech go unchecked. He is the ultimate arbiter, and ultimately, those who build their power on lies and boasting will face His judgment. This gives hope to those who are victims of such speech, knowing that God sees and will act.
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.
The verse reflects the harsh reality of ancient courts where flattering words and arrogant boasts were tools for manipulation and self-advancement, prompting a prayer for divine justice against such deceit.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David's Reign and Court
David, as king, faced constant intrigue, flattery, and boasting from courtiers seeking favor or undermining rivals, a common reality in ancient royal courts.
c. 1000 BC
Rise of Doeg the Edomite
Figures like Doeg, an Edomite official in Saul's court (and later David's), exemplified the treacherous and boastful speech David decries, often used for personal gain or to harm others.
c. 1000 BC
Court Intrigues and Falsehoods
The atmosphere of the royal court was often filled with deceitful words, calumnies, and exaggerated self-praise, creating a poisonous environment for truth and integrity.
This verse directly contrasts truthful speech with deceitful speech, mirroring the psalm's condemnation of lying tongues by highlighting the value of wise words.
James 3:5-6James speaks of the destructive power of the tongue, emphasizing its potential for malice and corruption, which aligns with the psalmist's prayer against flattering and boastful speech.
Daniel 7:8The description of a 'little horn' that 'spoke boastful words' in Daniel echoes the 'tongue that speaketh proud things' in the psalm, showing a consistent pattern of arrogant speech being judged by God.
Luke 11:53-54Jesus' confrontation with the scribes and Pharisees, who sought to trap Him with their words and questioned Him maliciously, reflects the kind of deceptive and self-serving speech the psalmist is railing against.
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 verse doesn't just condemn those who speak "proud things," but specifically calls out the connection between flattering words and boastful self-reliance, revealing a deep-seated arrogance that believes their own tongues are their ultimate strength. This isn't just empty boasting; it's a declaration of independence from any higher authority, even God.
The psalmist is lamenting the prevalence of deceitful and arrogant speech, observing that "the godly man ceases" and "the faithful fail." In response to this pervasive falsehood and boasting, which he sees as a dangerous plague, he cries out for God's intervention. This verse is a fervent prayer or imprecation, asking the LORD to silence those who use their words to manipulate and to glorify themselves, rather than to speak truth.
The psalmist is lamenting the prevalence of deceitful and arrogant speech, observing that "the godly man ceases" and "the faithful fail." In response to this pervasive falsehood and boasting, which he sees as a dangerous plague, he cries out for God's intervention. This verse is a fervent prayer or imprecation, asking the LORD to silence those who use their words to manipulate and to glorify themselves, rather than to speak truth.
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"May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts," — The verse doesn't just condemn those who speak "proud things," but specifically calls out the connection between flattering words and boastful self-reliance, revealing a deep-seated arrogance that be…
