4 those who say, "By our tongues we will prevail; our own lips will defend us-who is lord over us?"
4 Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?
4 those who say, "With our tongue we will prevail, our lips are with us; who is master over us?"
4 I'm tired of hearing, "We can talk anyone into anything! Our lips manage the world."
4 Who have said, "With our tongue we will prevail; Our lips are our own; Who is lord over us?"
4 They say, "We will lie to our hearts' content. Our lips are our own-who can stop us?"
6 "I said, 'You are "gods"; you are all sons of the Most High.'
6 I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.
6 I said, "You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you;
6 "I commissioned you judges, each one of you, deputies of the High God,
6 I said, "You are gods, And all of you are children of the Most High.
6 I say, 'You are gods; you are all children of the Most High.
(Read Psalm 82:6-8)
It is hard for men to have honour put upon them, and not to be proud of it. But all the rulers of the earth shall die, and all their honour shall be laid in the dust. God governs the world. There is a righteous God to whom we may go, and on whom we may depend. This also has respect to the kingdom of the Messiah. Considering the state of affairs in the world, we have need to pray that the Lord Jesus would speedily rule over all nations, in truth, righteousness, and peace.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 12:4
Chapter Contents
The psalmist begs help of God, because there were none among men whom he durst trust.
This psalm furnishes good thoughts for bad times; a man may comfort himself with such meditations and prayers. Let us see what makes the times bad, and when they may be said to be so. Ask the children of this world, What makes the times bad? they will tell you, Scarcity of money, decay of trade, and the desolations of war, make the times bad: but the Scripture lays the badness of the times on causes of another nature, 2 Timothy 3:1, & c.: perilous times shall come, for sin shall abound; and of this David complains. When piety decays times really are bad. He who made man's mouth will call him to an account for his proud, profane, dissembling, or even useless words. When the poor and needy are oppressed, then the times are very bad. God himself takes notice of the oppression of the poor, and the sighing of the needy. When wickedness abounds, and is countenanced by those in authority, then the times are very bad. See with what good things we are here furnished for such bad times; and we cannot tell what times we may be reserved for. 1. We have a God to go to, from whom we may ask and expect the redress of all our grievances. 2. God will certainly punish and restrain false and proud men. 3. God will work deliverance for his oppressed people. His help is given in the fittest time. Though men are false, God is faithful; though they are not to be trusted, God is. The preciousness of God's word is compared to silver refined to the highest degree. How many proofs have been given of its power and truth! God will secure his chosen remnant, however bad the times are. As long as the world stands, there will be a generation of proud and wicked men. But all God's people are put into the hands of Christ our Saviour; there they are in safety, for none can pluck them thence; being built on Him, the Rock, they are safe, notwithstanding temptation or persecution come with ever so much force upon them.