Lamentations 3:62

The lips of those that rose up against me, and their device against me all the day.

Lamentations 3:62 (KJV)

Context

Lamentations 3:62 sits within a larger acrostic poem traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, written after Jerusalem’s fall and the exile of Judah. The speaker has been crying out to the Lord from deep distress, and in this verse he names the specific cruelty of his enemies. The verse continues the complaint begun in verse 61, where the sufferer asks God to hear his reproach. It is not a standalone proverb but part of a sustained lament, a prayer that honestly lays the believer’s anguish before the Lord.

Meaning

The “lips of those that rose up against me” refers to the spoken words of the adversaries—their sarcasm, jeers, false accusations, and scornful language. In biblical poetry, lips and tongues are often pictured as weapons, and here they represent slander, mockery, and cruel gossip that wound the spirit as surely as physical blows. The “device against me” points to the calculated, premeditated nature of the opposition. The Hebrew word for “device” can mean “meditation,” “speech,” or “discourse,” and some scholars connect it to a root meaning to mock or scoff, emphasizing the mocking tone of the enemies’ words. The phrase “all the day” underscores that these attacks were not occasional but constant, leaving the sufferer no earthly rest. The verse highlights two connected weapons—words and plots—both directed relentlessly against the believer.

Biblical connections

Theologically, this verse fits the biblical pattern of lament, where the faithful pour out their unfiltered complaint to God. By detailing the specific cruelties of the enemy, the speaker implicitly appeals to God’s perfect justice, acknowledging that he cannot overcome this opposition in his own strength. The broader context of Lamentations 3 moves from deep anguish to a declaration of hope in God’s faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23), showing that honest complaint and trust in God belong together. The verse also foreshadows the experience of Jesus Christ, who during His trial and crucifixion was surrounded by mocking lips and constant plots to trap and destroy Him. Yet He entrusted Himself to the Father who judges justly, and believers who endure slander and scheming for righteousness’ sake share in His sufferings and find their ultimate hope in Him.

Application

This verse teaches that God sees and knows the words and devices of the wicked. When we face verbal abuse, false accusations, or calculated opposition, we can bring our grievances to the Lord rather than seeking revenge. The lament tradition invites us to be honest about our pain, trusting that God hears and will act. The relentless nature of the attacks may leave us weary, but the believer’s refuge is not in earthly relief but in the God who sees the mocking lips and knows the secret plots. We can entrust our cause to Him, knowing that true vindication comes from the Lord alone.

Reflection

Consider the words and schemes that have risen against you. Have you carried them in silence, or have you brought them honestly before God? The speaker of Lamentations models a faith that does not hide pain but pours it out to the Lord. In doing so, he finds hope not in his own strength but in God’s faithfulness. As you reflect on this verse, remember that the Lord who heard the lamenter’s cry also hears yours. He is the ultimate Judge, and He will one day silence every mocking lip and bring every device to nothing.