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Psalms 12:4

Words and speechPride

2 They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.

3 The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:

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

5 For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.

6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

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This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
They say, “With our tongues we will prevail. We own our lips—who can be our master?”
KJV
Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?
WEB
who have said, “With our tongue we will prevail. Our lips are our own. Who is lord over us?”
ASV
Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; Our lips are our own: who is lord over us?
DARBY
Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail, our lips are our own: who [is] lord over us?
BLB
those who have said, “By our tongues we will prevail; our lips [are] with us; who [is] lord over us?”
ÅB
som sier: «Ved tungen skal vi få overhånd,
leppene våre er med oss, hvem er herre over oss?»
OTB
de som har sagt: "Med våre ord skal vi lykkes;
våre lepper tilhører oss; hvem kan være herre over oss?"
B1930
dem som sier: Ved vår tunge skal vi få overhånd, våre leber er med oss, hvem er herre over oss?

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • James 3:5–6

    Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

    Read in context

  • Job 21:14–15

    Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.

    Read in context

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:4

    Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

    Read in context

  • Exodus 5:2

    And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.

    Read in context

  • Jeremiah 18:18

    Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.

    Read in context

  • Daniel 3:15

    Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?

    Read in context

  • Jeremiah 2:31

    O generation, see ye the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness? wherefore say my people, We are lords; we will come no more unto thee?

    Read in context

  • Genesis 3:5

    For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

    Read in context