Psalm 12 3

Psalm 12:3 kjv

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

Psalm 12:3 nkjv

May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, And the tongue that speaks proud things,

Psalm 12:3 niv

May the LORD silence all flattering lips and every boastful tongue?

Psalm 12:3 esv

May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts,

Psalm 12:3 nlt

May the LORD cut off their flattering lips
and silence their boastful tongues.

Psalm 12 verses

Psalm 12 3 Meaning

Psalm 12:3 is a prayer expressing a fervent desire for the Lord's divine intervention against and ultimate judgment upon individuals who employ deceitful flattery and arrogant, boastful speech. It calls for the complete removal or destruction of such manipulative and self-exalting communication from society.

Psalm 12 3 Context

Psalm chapter 12 is a lament, specifically a communal lament, although expressed by an individual psalmist. The psalmist appeals to the Lord because faithful and righteous people seem to be vanishing, and godless, deceitful individuals are proliferating in society. The verse is an outcry in the face of widespread corruption and falsehood. It highlights the perceived absence of truth and integrity, leading the psalmist to turn to God as the sole deliverer. The context implies a society where words are weaponized for manipulation and self-exaltation, contrasting sharply with the reliability of God's words mentioned later in the Psalm (v. 6).

Psalm 12 3 Word analysis

• May the LORD cut off:

  • "May... cut off" (יַכְרֵת֙ - yakhret): This is a jussive form of the verb karat, meaning "to cut, cut off, utterly destroy." It signifies a fervent prayer or strong imprecation for a decisive divine action of termination or removal. In other contexts, karat also means "to make a covenant" (by cutting), but here its destructive meaning is prominent. The prayer asks for the eradication of the source of evil speech.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָ֣ה - YHWH): Refers to the personal, covenantal God of Israel. It emphasizes that this is a plea for God, in His ultimate sovereignty and justice, to act decisively against injustice. This is not a human curse but an appeal for divine judgment.

• all flattering lips:

  • "all" (כָּל־ - kol): Emphasizes the totality and comprehensiveness of the desired judgment; not just some, but every instance of this evil speech.
  • "flattering" (חֲלָק֨וֹת - chalaqot): From the root chalaq, meaning "smooth, slippery." It refers to speech that is deceptively smooth, insincere, and calculated to mislead or manipulate others for personal gain or influence. It lacks integrity and often conceals malicious intent. It can also imply moral slickness or untrustworthiness.
  • "lips" (שִׂפְתֵי֩ - siphetey): A metonym for speech or utterance itself. The "lips" are the instrument through which flattering words are uttered, signifying the entire output of such deceptive communication.

• and the tongue that boasts great things:

  • "and the tongue" (וּלְשֹׁוּן֙ - uleshon): Another metonym, like "lips," representing speech. The conjunction "and" links this second type of speech to the first, indicating a twin problem.
  • "that boasts" (עֹשָׂ֣ה - osah): A participle meaning "doing" or "making." When connected with "great things," it signifies uttering, performing, or actively engaging in boasting. It's not passive but a deliberate action.
  • "great things" (גְדֹלֹ֑ת - gedolot): Refers to grandiose, arrogant, or excessive claims. This kind of speech exalts oneself, often at the expense of God or others, betraying pride, haughtiness, and self-sufficiency. It can border on blasphemy when it appropriates divine authority or wisdom to oneself.

Psalm 12 3 Bonus section

The strong plea in Psalm 12:3 highlights the Bible's profound emphasis on the power and significance of words. While human words can be deceitful and empty, the psalm implicitly contrasts them with the pure and reliable words of the Lord (Psalm 12:6). This distinction is foundational, revealing that true security and hope rest not in human promises or boasts, but solely in God's unchanging truth. The act of "cutting off" is a powerful biblical image of definitive divine action, often signifying judgment or the removal of evil to ensure a clean slate for righteousness (e.g., in relation to idolaters or covenant breakers). The psalm's structure itself, moving from lament over widespread ungodliness to a trust in God's ultimate word, demonstrates that despite the chaos caused by wicked human speech, God's Word remains supreme and trustworthy.

Psalm 12 3 Commentary

Psalm 12:3 is a poignant prayer arising from deep distress over the pervasive deceit and arrogance in a morally corrupt society. The psalmist implores the Almighty to bring an end to two particularly destructive forms of speech: flattery and boastfulness. Flattering lips (Hebrew chalaqot) denote speech that is smooth, alluring, but inherently false, used to manipulate and deceive. This contrasts sharply with genuine communication and sincerity. The "tongue that boasts great things" (gedolot) points to speech filled with pride, self-exaltation, and arrogant claims, often challenging God's sovereignty or human decency. Such words seek to elevate the speaker above others, dismissing truth and humility.

The prayer "May the LORD cut off" (yakhret) is a cry for divine judgment, not a human vendetta. It reflects the understanding that God is the ultimate Judge who sees beyond the superficial and will hold individuals accountable for their words. The psalmist appeals to the covenant God, YHWH, because He is the standard of truth and righteousness, and His faithful followers are suffering under the oppressive weight of this verbal wickedness. This plea for judgment underscores the grave spiritual danger and societal damage caused by such language, portraying it as a severe offense in God's eyes that warrants complete eradication. It expresses hope that God will purify speech, establishing a realm where truth and sincerity prevail.Practical Usage:

• Recognizing spiritual dangers: It prompts believers to identify flattery (smooth talk for selfish gain) and arrogant boasting (self-exaltation) as direct affronts to God's truth and humility.
• Praying for justice: It gives voice to prayer for God to intervene where deception and pride abound, even in leadership or public discourse.
• Self-examination: It encourages a scrutiny of one's own speech for any traces of insincerity or undue self-praise.