Worthy.Bible » KJV » Psalms » Chapter 12 » Verse 4-5

Psalms 12:4-5 King James Version (KJV)

4 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.

Commentary on Psalms 12 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


PSALM 12

Ps 12:1-8. On title, see Introduction and see on Ps 6:1. The Psalmist laments the decrease of good men. The pride and deceit of the wicked provokes God's wrath, whose promise to avenge the cause of pious sufferers will be verified even amidst prevailing iniquity.

1. the faithful—or literally, "faithfulness" (Ps 31:23).

2. The want of it is illustrated by the prevalence of deceit and instability.

3, 4. Boasting (Da 7:25) is, like flattery, a species of lying.

lips, and … tongue—for persons.

5. The writer intimates his confidence by depicting God's actions (compare Ps 9:19; 10:12) as coming to save the poor at whom the wicked sneer (Ps 10:5).

6. The words—literally, "saying of" (Ps 12:5).

seven times—thoroughly (Da 3:19).

7. them—(Margin.)

8. The wicked roam undisturbed doing evil, when vileness and vile men are exalted.