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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 12:4 They say, "With our tongues we will prevail. We own our lips--who can be our master?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/12-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/19_Psa_012_004.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 12:4 - The Godly are No More" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They say, With our tongues we will prevail. We own our lips--who can be our master?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/12-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/12-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/12-3.htm" title="Psalm 12:3">◄</a> Psalm 12:4 <a href="/psalms/12-5.htm" title="Psalm 12:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />those who say, &#8220By our tongues we will prevail; our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />They say, “We will lie to our hearts’ content. Our lips are our own—who can stop us?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />those who say, “With our tongue we will prevail, our lips are with us; who is master over us?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />They say, “With our tongues we will prevail. We own our lips—who can be our master?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips <i>are</i> our own: who <i>is</i> lord over us?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Who have said, “With our tongue we will prevail; Our lips <i>are</i> our own; Who <i>is</i> lord over us?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Who have said, “With our tongue we will prevail; Our lips are our own; who is lord over us?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Who have said, &#8220With our tongue we will prevail; Our lips are our own; who is lord over us?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Who have said, “With our tongue we will prevail; Our lips are our own; who is lord over us?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Who have said, “With our tongue we will prevail; Our lips are our own; who is lord over us?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Who have said, “With our tongue we will prevail; Our lips are our own; who is lord <i>and</i> master over us?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They say, “Through our tongues we have power; our lips are our own—who can be our master? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They say, &#8220Through our tongues we have power; our lips are our own—who can be our master?"&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; Our lips are our own: who is lord over us?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They say to themselves, "We are great speakers. No one else has a chance." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Who have said, with our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />that has said, "We will overcome with our tongues. With lips such as ours, who can be our master?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"With our words we get what we want. We will say what we wish, and no one can stop us." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />those who say, "By our tongues we will prevail; our lips belong to us. Who is master over us?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />They say, ?With our tongues we will prevail. We own our lips?who can be our master??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They say, "We speak persuasively; we know how to flatter and boast. Who is our master?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />who have said, "With our tongue we will prevail. Our lips are our own. Who is lord over us?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />who have said, “With our tongue we will prevail. Our lips are our own. Who is lord over us?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Who said, “By our tongue we do mightily: Our lips [are] our own; who [is] lord over us?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Who said, 'By our tongue we do mightily: Our lips are our own; who is lord over us?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Who said, By our tongues we shall prevail; our lips are with us: who is Lord over us?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Who have said: We will magnify our tongue; our lips are our own; who is Lord over us? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 11:5>They have said: “We will magnify our tongue; our lips belong to us. What is Lord to us?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Those who say, “By our tongues we prevail; when our lips speak, who can lord it over us?” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />those who say, “With our tongues we will prevail; our lips are our own—who is our master?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For they have said, With our tongue will we prevail: our lips are our own; who is lord over us?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Who have said, "Our tongue will prevail; our lips are our Lord.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Who have said: 'Our tongue will we make mighty; Our lips are with us: who is lord over us?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />who have said, We will magnify our tongue; our lips are our own: who is Lord of us?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/12-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=1054" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/12.htm">The Godly are No More</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">They</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mə·rū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">say,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3956.htm" title="3956: lil·šō·nê·nū (Prep-l:: N-csc:: 1cp) -- Tongue. Or lashon; also feminine lshonah; from lashan; the tongue, used literally, and figuratively.">“With our tongues</a> <a href="/hebrew/1396.htm" title="1396: naḡ·bîr (V-Hifil-Imperf-1cp) -- To be strong, mighty. A primitive root; to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently.">we will prevail.</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’it·tā·nū (DirObjM:: 1cp) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">We own</a> <a href="/hebrew/8193.htm" title="8193: śə·p̄ā·ṯê·nū (N-fdc:: 1cp) -- Or sepheth; probably from caphah or shaphah through the idea of termination; the lip; by implication, language; by analogy, a margin.">our lips—</a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/113.htm" title="113: ’ā·ḏō·wn (N-ms) -- Lord. Or adon; from an unused root; sovereign, i.e. Controller.">can be our master?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- "></a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>“For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-6</a></span><br />In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. / The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a></span><br />Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a></span><br />But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-13.htm">Romans 3:13-14</a></span><br />“Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips.” / “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-26.htm">James 1:26</a></span><br />If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a></span><br />When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/3-8.htm">Isaiah 3:8</a></span><br />For Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen because they spoke and acted against the LORD, defying His glorious presence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-3.htm">Jeremiah 9:3</a></span><br />“They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">1 Peter 3:10</a></span><br />For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-11.htm">Matthew 15:11</a></span><br />A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18</a></span><br />Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/28-15.htm">Isaiah 28:15</a></span><br />For you said, “We have made a covenant with death; we have fashioned an agreement with Sheol. When the overwhelming scourge passes through it will not touch us, because we have made lies our refuge and falsehood our hiding place.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/7-8.htm">Jeremiah 7:8</a></span><br />But look, you keep trusting in deceptive words to no avail.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-18.htm">2 Peter 2:18</a></span><br />With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?</p><p class="hdg">With</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/18-18.htm">Jeremiah 18:18</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5,6</a></b></br> Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! … </p><p class="hdg">our own.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/3-5.htm">Genesis 3:5</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/5-2.htm">Exodus 5:2</a></b></br> And Pharaoh said, Who <i>is</i> the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/21-14.htm">Job 21:14,15</a></b></br> Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/12-3.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/job/3-19.htm">Master</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-16.htm">Mightily</a> <a href="/psalms/10-10.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/job/15-9.htm">Ours</a> <a href="/psalms/10-10.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/psalms/9-19.htm">Prevail</a> <a href="/psalms/12-3.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/psalms/12-2.htm">Tongues</a> <a href="/psalms/9-19.htm">Triumph</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/16-4.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/psalms/105-21.htm">Master</a> <a href="/psalms/50-3.htm">Mightily</a> <a href="/psalms/18-17.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-13.htm">Ours</a> <a href="/psalms/13-4.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/psalms/21-11.htm">Prevail</a> <a href="/psalms/15-3.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/psalms/31-20.htm">Tongues</a> <a href="/psalms/13-2.htm">Triumph</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/12-1.htm">David, destitute of human comfort, craves help of God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/12-3.htm">He comforts himself with God's promises, and his judgments on the wicked</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>They say,</b><br>This phrase introduces the voice of the wicked, highlighting their arrogance and self-confidence. In the context of <a href="/psalms/12.htm">Psalm 12</a>, the psalmist is lamenting the prevalence of deceit and falsehood in society. The "they" refers to those who are corrupt and boastful, contrasting with the faithful who are oppressed. This sets the stage for understanding the moral and spiritual decay that the psalmist observes.<p><b>“With our tongues we will prevail.</b><br>The wicked believe that their words alone can achieve victory and dominance. This reflects a cultural context where rhetoric and speech were powerful tools for influence and control. Biblically, the tongue is often seen as a powerful force, capable of both blessing and cursing (<a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-8</a>). The confidence in their speech suggests a disregard for truth and righteousness, relying instead on manipulation and deceit.<p><b>We own our lips—</b><br>This phrase indicates a sense of ownership and autonomy over their speech, implying that they feel no accountability to God or others. In the biblical worldview, speech is a gift from God and should be used to glorify Him and edify others (<a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a>). The claim of ownership here reveals a rebellious spirit, rejecting divine authority and moral responsibility.<p><b>who can be our master?”</b><br>The rhetorical question underscores their defiance and perceived invincibility. It echoes the attitude of those who reject God's sovereignty, similar to the defiance seen in other parts of Scripture, such as Pharaoh's question, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice?" (<a href="/exodus/5-2.htm">Exodus 5:2</a>). This phrase highlights the theme of human pride and the illusion of self-sufficiency, contrasting with the biblical teaching that God is the ultimate authority and judge.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/12.htm">Psalm 12</a>, David is expressing concern over the deceitful and boastful speech of the wicked.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>The individuals who are speaking arrogantly and deceitfully, believing they are accountable to no one.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>Implicit in the text as the ultimate judge and master, contrasting the wicked's claim of self-mastery.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The broader community affected by the deceit and arrogance of the wicked, often the context for David's psalms.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_righteous.htm">The Righteous</a></b><br>Those who are oppressed or troubled by the deceitful words of the wicked, seeking God's intervention.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a></b><br>Words have the power to build up or destroy. As believers, we must be mindful of our speech, recognizing its potential impact.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/accountability_to_god.htm">Accountability to God</a></b><br>Despite the wicked's claim of self-mastery, all are ultimately accountable to God. We should live with the awareness that our words and actions are subject to His judgment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_illusion_of_self-sufficiency.htm">The Illusion of Self-Sufficiency</a></b><br>The wicked believe they are their own masters, but this is an illusion. True freedom and mastery come from submission to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_our_speech.htm">Guarding Our Speech</a></b><br>As followers of Christ, we are called to guard our tongues and speak truthfully, reflecting God's character in our communication.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_intervention.htm">Seeking God's Intervention</a></b><br>In times of deceit and arrogance around us, we should turn to God for justice and protection, trusting in His sovereignty.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_it_sinful_to_lie.htm">Is it sinful to lie?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_speech.htm">What does the Bible teach about controlling speech?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_jesus_being_immanuel_signify.htm">What does 'double-tongued' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_ahinoam_of_jezreel.htm">Can Satan listen to our prayers?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">With our tongue.</span>--This is the proud saying just mentioned, and is plainly a boast of the power possessed by those who have the ear of persons in authority, and can adroitly "make the worse appear the better cause"; or being themselves in high places, can, like Angelo in <span class= "ital">Measure for Measure, </span>defy the accusations of their victims:--<p>"Who will believe thee, Isabel?<p>My place in the State<p>Will so your accusation overweigh<p>That you shall stifle in your own report,<p>And smell of calumny."<p>But there is great difference of opinion as to the proper rendering, "with our tongues will we prevail." Some render, "we are masters of our tongues"; others, "with our tongues we confederate": <span class= "ital">i.e.</span>, "our tongues are our allies." The last rendering agrees best with the next clause.<p><span class= "bld">Our lips are our own.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">are with us: i.e., </span>on our side. (Comp. <a href="/2_kings/9-32.htm" title="And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs.">2Kings 9:32</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail</span>; or, <span class="accented">through our tongues are we powerful</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> whatever we desire we can accomplish through our tongues - by persuasion, or by menaces, or by skill in argument. Success in pleading before courts of law is, perhaps, included. Our lips are our own; literally, <span class="accented">are with us</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> are on our side, are our helpers ("Nobis auxilio et praesto sunt," Michaelis). <span class="cmt_word">Who is lord over us?</span> Who, <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, can interfere with us and impede our action? They do not believe in any righteous Judge and Controller of the world, who can step in to frustrate their plans, upset their designs, and bring them to ruin (see <a href="/psalms/10-4.htm">Psalm 10:4, 11</a>; <a href="/psalms/14-1.htm">Psalm 14:1</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/12-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">They</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֤ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">say,</span><br /><span class="heb">אָֽמְר֨וּ ׀</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·mə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“With our tongues</span><br /><span class="heb">לִלְשֹׁנֵ֣נוּ</span> <span class="translit">(lil·šō·nê·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - common singular construct | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">The tongue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we will prevail.</span><br /><span class="heb">נַ֭גְבִּיר</span> <span class="translit">(naḡ·bîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1396.htm">Strong's 1396: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be strong, to prevail, act insolently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">We own</span><br /><span class="heb">אִתָּ֑נוּ</span> <span class="translit">(’it·tā·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Direct object marker | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><br /><span class="word">our lips—</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׂפָתֵ֣ינוּ</span> <span class="translit">(śə·p̄ā·ṯê·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - fdc | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8193.htm">Strong's 8193: </a> </span><span class="str2">The lip, language, a margin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who</span><br /><span class="heb">מִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can be our master?”</span><br /><span class="heb">אָד֣וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḏō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_113.htm">Strong's 113: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sovereign, controller</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/12-4.htm">Psalm 12:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/12-4.htm">Psalm 12:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/12-4.htm">Psalm 12:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/12-4.htm">Psalm 12:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/12-4.htm">Psalm 12:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/12-4.htm">Psalm 12:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/12-4.htm">Psalm 12:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/12-4.htm">Psalm 12:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/12-4.htm">Psalm 12:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/12-4.htm">Psalm 12:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/12-4.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 12:4 Who have said With our tongue we (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/12-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 12:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 12:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/12-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 12:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 12:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>