Old Testament

Psalms 12:3

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the psalmist expresses a strong warning about the consequences of deceitful speech and arrogance.

Author
David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
Written
Around 1000-500 BC
Genre
Poetry and worship
Original Audience
Worshipers of Israel
CBTClear Bible Translation

The LORD will cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaks proud things—

KJVKing James Version

The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the psalmist expresses a strong warning about the consequences of deceitful speech and arrogance. Flattering lips refer to those who use sweet words to manipulate or deceive others, while the proud tongue represents those who boast and speak arrogantly. The LORD, as the ultimate judge, will not tolerate such behavior and will bring judgment upon those who engage in it. This reflects God's commitment to truth and justice, emphasizing that He will protect the innocent and humble from the harm caused by deceitful and proud individuals. The verse serves as a reminder that God values honesty and humility, and He will act against those who misuse their words for selfish gain. It encourages believers to be mindful of their speech and to avoid flattery and pride, aligning their words with truth and humility instead.

Key themes

Related topics

pride, humility, truth

How to apply Psalms 12:3 to your life

This verse encourages us to be cautious with our words, avoiding flattery and pride. We should strive to speak truthfully and humbly, recognizing the power of our speech. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's values and contribute to a more honest and respectful community.

Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Psalms 12:3 mean?

Psalms 12:3 warns against deceitful speech and arrogance, stating that God will judge those who use flattering words to manipulate others or speak with pride. It highlights God's commitment to truth and justice.

What is the meaning of flattering lips in Psalms 12:3?

Flattering lips refer to those who use sweet or insincere words to deceive or manipulate others. This verse indicates that such behavior is unacceptable to God.

How does Psalms 12:3 relate to pride?

Psalms 12:3 connects pride to the use of arrogant speech, indicating that God will not tolerate those who boast or speak with arrogance. It underscores the need for humility in our words.

What themes are present in Psalms 12:3?

The themes in Psalms 12:3 include God's judgment, deceitful speech, pride, humility, truth, and divine justice. These themes highlight the importance of speaking truthfully and humbly.

The Book of Psalms
Book Summary

The Book of Psalms

Psalm 1: Two Paths

This psalm describes two paths. The blessed person does not follow the counsel of the ungodly, does not stand in the way of sinners, and does not sit among the scornful. Instead, this person delights in the law of the LORD and thinks on it day and night.

Premium

Unlock the full Psalms summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Psalms — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 150 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Psalms summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.