Log inSign up

Psalm 12 · a question people ask

"May the LORD cut off all flattering lips" (12:3). How can a prayer ask for that?

In the text

The verse speaks of the LORD and asks the LORD to act: "May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that boasts" (12:3). What it names is their speech, and the next verse gives the boast: "With our tongue we will prevail. Our lips are our own. Who is lord over us?" (12:4). The psalmist doesn't say he will act. The next words are the LORD's (12:5), and his reason is "the oppression of the weak" and "the groaning of the needy" (12:5). Psalm 12 is not the only psalm that prays against others, and Christians read these prayers in more than one way. The chapter on Psalm 109 sets out the main readings, each resting on its verses, and chooses none. These notes don't choose either.

The verses

“May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that boasts, who have said, “With our tongue we will prevail. Our lips are our own. Who is lord over us?” “Because of the oppression of the weak and because of the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD; “I will set him in safety from those who malign him.””
Psalm 12:3-5 · World English Bible
“For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. God of my praise, don’t remain silent, for they have opened the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of deceit against me. They have spoken to me with a lying tongue. They have also surrounded me with words of hatred, and fought against me without a cause. In return for my love, they are my adversaries; but I am in prayer. They have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.”
Psalm 109:1-5 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Psalm 12

Psalm 12: Flawless words

Psalm 12 is words against words: empty speech, smooth lips and a double heart (in Hebrew, heart said twice), and the boast "Who is lord over us?" (12:4). Then the LORD speaks for himself, "I will now arise" (12:5), the verb the psalms cry to him with, and the psalm calls his words silver refined, "purified seven times" (12:6).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekPsalm 12 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Psalm 12

All questions about Psalms →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions