[4] Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?
Prevail — By raising and spreading evil reports concerning him.
Our own — At our own disposal to speak what we please, who can control or restrain us?
Verse 5
[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.
Puffeth — From him that despises him, and hopes to destroy him with a puff of breath.
Verse 6
[6] The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
Pure — Without the least mixture of falsehood; and therefore shall infallibly be fulfilled.
Verse 7
[7] Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
Thou shalt keep them — Thy words or promises: these thou wilt observe and keep, both now, and from this generation for ever.
Verse 8
[8] The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.
Walk — They fill all places, and go about boldly and securely.
Psalm 12 Bible Commentary
John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes
Verse 4
[4] Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?
Prevail — By raising and spreading evil reports concerning him.
Our own — At our own disposal to speak what we please, who can control or restrain us?
Verse 5
[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.
Puffeth — From him that despises him, and hopes to destroy him with a puff of breath.
Verse 6
[6] The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
Pure — Without the least mixture of falsehood; and therefore shall infallibly be fulfilled.
Verse 7
[7] Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
Thou shalt keep them — Thy words or promises: these thou wilt observe and keep, both now, and from this generation for ever.
Verse 8
[8] The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.
Walk — They fill all places, and go about boldly and securely.