Psalms 12:3

3 May ADONAI cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaks so proudly,

Psalms 12:3 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 12:3

The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips
This is either a prophecy or a prayer, as Aben Ezra and Kimchi observe; that God either would or should cut off such who used flattery with their lips, by inflicting some judgment in this life, or everlasting punishment hereafter; by taking them away by death "out of the world", as the Targum paraphrases it; or by casting them into hell, where all liars and deceitful persons will have their portion; see ( Job 32:21 Job 32:22 ) ;

[and] the tongue that speaketh proud things,
or "great things" F6, as the little horn, ( Daniel 7:20 Daniel 7:25 ) ; and the beast, or Romish antichrist, who is designed by both, ( Revelation 13:5 Revelation 13:6 ) ; and which will be accomplished when Christ shall destroy him with the breath of his mouth, and the brightness of his coming; and indeed every tongue that riseth up against God, Christ, and his people, will be condemned; when ungodly sinners will be convinced of all their hard speeches, ( Isaiah 54:17 ) ( Jude 1:15 ) . Perhaps some regard may be had to the tongue of Doeg the Edomite; see ( Psalms 52:3-5 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F6 (twldg) "magna", Pagninus, Montanus, Vatablus, Piscator, Gejerus, Michaelis; "grandia", Cocceius.

Psalms 12:3 In-Context

1 For the leader. On sh'minit [low-pitched musical instruments?]. A psalm of David: Help, ADONAI! For no one godly is left; the faithful have vanished from humankind.
2 They all tell lies to each other, flattering with their lips, but speaking from divided hearts.
3 May ADONAI cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaks so proudly,
4 those who say, "By our tongues, we will prevail; our lips are with us. Who can master us?"
5 "Because the poor are oppressed, because the needy are groaning, I will now rise up," says ADONAI, "and grant security to those whom they scorn."
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.