They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse paints a picture of audacious arrogance: these individuals don't just speak against God, but their words and pronouncements are so grand and all-encompassing that they are described as setting their mouths in the heavens and their tongues strutting through the earth. This implies they believe their own opinions and dictates hold divine authority and cover all of creation, a towering pride that makes them feel above all else.
They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist is wrestling with the disturbing prosperity of the wicked, describing how their lives are marked by ease, pride, and violence, seemingly without consequence. This verse continues that description, highlighting their arrogant pronouncements and their seemingly unrestrained power to criticize and slander anyone on earth, even daring to speak against God Himself. This bold defiance of divine and human authority sets the stage for the psalmist's own crisis of faith and eventual rediscovery of God's justice.
Have you ever felt like the wicked are getting away with it, speaking with such boldness? This verse describes their audacious words.
The phrase 'set their mouth against the heavens' paints a vivid picture of defiance. It means they speak out against God Himself.
What Does This Look Like?
Their words aren't just aimed up; they echo across the earth, affecting everyone. What does this uncontrolled speech do?
The second part, 'their tongue struts through the earth,' describes the widespread impact and unbridled nature of their speech.
The Power of Their Words:
Ask a follow-up
The psalmist, Asaph, was deeply troubled by this arrogance. Why does the prosperity of the wicked, coupled with their defiance, become such a stumbling block?
Psalms 73 begins with the psalmist confessing that he almost lost his faith because he saw the wicked prospering while seemingly facing no consequences for their defiant words and actions.
Asaph's Struggle:
Understand the original words
shamayim · Hebrew Noun
The dwelling place of God and the seat of His authority; setting one's mouth against heaven represents a blasphemous challenge to divine sovereignty.
lashon · Hebrew Noun
The instrument of speech; in Scripture, it is a powerful tool capable of both life and death, reflecting the true condition of the speaker's heart.
This passage describes a defiant power speaking arrogant words against the Most High, mirroring the arrogance of those in Psalms 73 who set their mouths against the heavens.
James 3:6James describes the tongue as a destructive force that can set the whole course of one's life on fire, which resonates with the image of the tongue 'strutting through the earth' in destructive speech.
Proverbs 8:13While Proverbs praises wisdom for its righteous speech, this verse highlights the opposite: those who hate wisdom and love destruction through their words, much like the arrogant individuals described in Psalms 73.
Job 15:25-26Job describes the wicked stretching out their hands against God and displaying arrogance, just as Psalms 73:9 portrays their defiance towards the heavens.
clarkePsalms 73:9: "They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth."
Set their mouth against the heavens - They blaspheme God, ridicule religion, mock at Providence, and laugh at a future state. Their tongue walketh through the earth - They find fault with every thing; they traduce the memory of the just in heaven, and ridicule the saints that are upon earth. They criticize every dispensation of God.
poolePsalms 73:9: "They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth."
Against the heavens, i.e. against God, blaspheming his name, denying or deriding his providence, reviling his saints and servants. Walketh through the earth; using all manner of liberty, introducing and reproaching all sorts of persons, not caring whom they displease or hurt by it.
The verse paints a picture of audacious arrogance: these individuals don't just speak against God, but their words and pronouncements are so grand and all-encompassing that they are described as setting their mouths in the heavens and their tongues strutting through the earth. This implies they believe their own opinions and dictates hold divine authority and cover all of creation, a towering pride that makes them feel above all else.
The psalmist is wrestling with the disturbing prosperity of the wicked, describing how their lives are marked by ease, pride, and violence, seemingly without consequence. This verse continues that description, highlighting their arrogant pronouncements and their seemingly unrestrained power to criticize and slander anyone on earth, even daring to speak against God Himself. This bold defiance of divine and human authority sets the stage for the psalmist's own crisis of faith and eventual rediscovery of God's justice.
The psalmist is wrestling with the disturbing prosperity of the wicked, describing how their lives are marked by ease, pride, and violence, seemingly without consequence. This verse continues that description, highlighting their arrogant pronouncements and their seemingly unrestrained power to criticize and slander anyone on earth, even daring to speak against God Himself. This bold defiance of divine and human authority sets the stage for the psalmist's own crisis of faith and eventual rediscovery of God's justice.
"They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth." — The verse paints a picture of audacious arrogance: these individuals don't just speak against God, but their words and pronouncements are so grand and all-encompassing that they are described as *s…
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Last reviewed October 2026