Psalms 12:4
Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?
Psalms 12:4 (KJV)
Context
Psalm 12 is a lament attributed to David. He cries out for help because faithful people seem to have disappeared, while the wicked speak deceitfully and arrogantly. In the surrounding verses, David describes flattering lips and double hearts, and he declares that the Lord will cut off such proud speech. Verse 4 records the very words of these boastful people.
Meaning
The wicked declare, “With our tongue will we prevail.” They believe their words are powerful enough to get whatever they want. They also say, “our lips are our own,” meaning they claim complete control over their speech and refuse any outside restraint. Their final question, “who is lord over us?” reveals the heart of their rebellion. They reject any authority above themselves, including God. Their speech is not neutral; it exposes a proud and self-sufficient heart. The Hebrew wording emphasizes self-sufficiency and rebellion against divine authority.
Biblical connections
This verse stands in sharp contrast to the rest of the psalm. While human words are deceitful, the psalmist affirms that the words of the Lord are pure, like silver refined in a furnace. God promises to arise and protect the needy from those who speak proudly. This connection shows that only God’s speech is completely reliable, and He will act against the arrogant. The immediate context includes verses 2-3, which describe flattering and double-hearted lips and the Lord’s judgment on those who speak proudly.
Application
This verse warns us about pride and self-sufficiency. When we trust our own persuasive words more than God’s wisdom, we repeat the error of the wicked. We must also examine our hearts: do we live as though no one is lord over us? As believers, we acknowledge that God is the ultimate authority, and we are accountable to Him. Our speech should reflect humility and dependence on God, not self-will. The verse challenges believers to examine their own speech, recognizing that words are not neutral but reveal the heart’s allegiance.
Guard against pride: recognize that our words cannot ultimately prevail apart from God’s will.
Submit to God’s lordship: let His principles rule our hearts and our tongues.
Use speech to build up: speak truth, kindness, and love, honoring God and serving others.
Reflection
The question “who is lord over us?” challenges every reader. For the believer, the answer is clear: Jesus Christ is Lord. He used words perfectly to serve the Father, and He calls us to speak truth in love. When we surrender our lips to Him, our speech becomes a tool for blessing rather than a weapon of pride. The verse ultimately points to the need for a Lord over our lips, and for believers, that lordship is found in Christ.
