Psalms 12:3
The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:
Original Language Analysis
יַכְרֵ֣ת
shall cut off
H3772
יַכְרֵ֣ת
shall cut off
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
1 of 8
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
יְ֭הוָה
The LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
שִׂפְתֵ֣י
lips
H8193
שִׂפְתֵ֣י
lips
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
4 of 8
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
חֲלָק֑וֹת
all flattering
H2513
חֲלָק֑וֹת
all flattering
Strong's:
H2513
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, smoothness; figuratively, flattery
לָ֝שׁ֗וֹן
and the tongue
H3956
לָ֝שׁ֗וֹן
and the tongue
Strong's:
H3956
Word #:
6 of 8
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
Cross References
Proverbs 18:21Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.Revelation 13:5And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.Daniel 7:8I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.Psalms 17:10They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.
Historical Context
Written during a time when false counselors surrounded the king, using smooth words to advance their own interests rather than speaking truth.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you discern between genuine encouragement and manipulative flattery?
- In what ways are you tempted to use words to manipulate rather than minister?
Analysis & Commentary
The prayer that God would 'cut off flattering lips' addresses the sin of deceitful speech. The Hebrew 'chalaq' (flattering/smooth) describes speech designed to manipulate. The 'boastful tongue' that speaks of 'great things' parallels the Antichrist's arrogant claims (Daniel 7:8, Revelation 13:5). Reformed theology sees flattery as theft—stealing glory from God and manipulating others for selfish gain.