Psalms 12:4

Psalms 12:4

This verse sits within a psalm that echoes a world where deceitful speech and flattery threaten the vulnerable. David contrasts the hollow rhetoric of those who think they can “prevail by the tongue” with the LORD’s true sovereignty. The line “our lips are our own” expresses a defiant, self-authored autonomy—people boasting that they own their words, control outcomes, and answer to no higher authority. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, speech carried weight as a form of power, legitimacy, and social coercion. Judging by the surrounding verses (1–3), the faithful cry out because the faithful appear outnumbered: “the faithful have vanished from among the children of men” (v. 1). The temptation is to manipulate language to dominate others, to build social capital through clever speech, rather than through character and truth. This is not merely about eloquence; it’s about who governs the lips and whose lordship is acknowledged. The verse sets up a contrast: human beings claim ownership of speech, but the psalmist asserts that real lordship belongs to the LORD. It prepares the reader for God’s response against flattery, deceit, and the moral peril of a people who trust in their own words more than in God’s truth.

Theologically, this verse highlights the lordship of God over human speech. It challenges the idolatry of self-rule and the belief that language alone can secure power or justice. The broader trajectory of Psalm 12 is a plea for divine vindication against the corrupting influence of deceit and social manipulation. The idea that “lips” can be owned or controlled by human beings points to a need for rightful speech governed by God’s standard of truth and mercy. This verse foreshadows biblical themes about integrity, honesty, and the danger of flattering rhetoric that hides injustice. It reinforces the conviction that ultimate authority rests not in human cunning but in the Lord who judges the heart and speaks what is true. In Christian interpretation, it invites believers to submit their tongues to Christ, allowing truth, grace, and humility to shape how we speak to and about others.

In everyday life, this verse calls us to examine where our words originate. Do we speak to manipulate outcomes, to win favor, or to dominate conversations? Or do we seek truth, justice, and blessing for others, acknowledging God’s lordship over our speech? Practical applications include pausing before speaking—asking, “Is this true? Is it kind? Is it constructive?”—and resisting the pressure to post or share rumors, sarcasm, or sensational takes that elevate our status. In workplaces and families, practice honest feedback anchored in grace, not flattery. If you’ve found yourself in a situation where you’re tempted to “own” your voice in ways that harm others, repent by seeking blessing for the other person and asking for guidance from God on how to speak with integrity. Verse 4 challenges a posture of self-rule by inviting believers to submit their speech to God’s lordship, promoting truth-telling and mercy in every conversation.

Cross-References: Psalm 4:2; Proverbs 15:4; Proverbs 26:28; James 3:5-6; Ephesians 4:15