Psalms 12:4

“Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?”

Psalm 12:4 (KJV) says: “Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?”

Context: To gain a better understanding of the verse, it’s important to examine the context of the entire psalm. Psalm 12 is attributed to David and is a plea for God’s help in a time of distress. David laments the lack of godly people and the prevalence of deceitful and arrogant individuals. He seeks God’s intervention and deliverance.

The Pride of the Wicked: In verse 4, the psalmist highlights the attitude of the wicked people he is addressing. They boastfully declare that they will prevail with their words and that their lips are under their own control. Essentially, they believe that they can use their speech to achieve their desired outcomes, and no one can challenge or hold them accountable.

Rejection of Authority: The latter part of verse 4 expresses the rebellious nature of these individuals. They question, “who is lord over us?” This statement reflects their defiance and refusal to acknowledge any higher authority or to submit to anyone’s rule. It reveals their arrogance and self-centeredness, placing themselves above accountability.

Application: Though the specific context of this verse relates to the wickedness and arrogance of certain individuals, it offers broader insights and applications for us today:

• Pride and self-sufficiency: The verse warns against the dangers of pride and self-sufficiency. Believing that our words alone can prevail, disregarding the impact of our speech on others, can lead to destructive behavior and damage relationships. We should guard against such arrogance and instead rely on God’s guidance and wisdom.
• Recognizing God’s authority: The question posed in the latter part of the verse, “who is lord over us?” challenges us to reflect on our own hearts. As believers, we acknowledge that God is the ultimate authority over our lives. It reminds us to submit to His lordship, recognizing that we are accountable to Him and His principles.
• Seeking godly speech: This verse prompts us to consider the power of our words. As Christians, we should strive to use our speech in a way that honors God, builds up others, and promotes truth and righteousness. Our words should reflect humility, kindness, and love.

In conclusion, Psalm 12:4 addresses the pride and rebellious attitude of wicked individuals who rely on their words and reject any higher authority. The verse serves as a reminder for us to guard against pride, recognize God’s authority, and use our speech in a manner that reflects godliness and promotes positive impact in the world.