Old Testament
Psalms 73:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth.
Compare translations
They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
What Psalms 73:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist describes the arrogance of the wicked who openly defy God. "Setting their mouth against the heavens" suggests that they speak against God and His authority, showing contempt for divine standards. Their "tongue walking through the earth" implies that they spread their rebellious ideas and attitudes widely, influencing others with their words. This imagery highlights their boldness and disregard for the consequences of their actions. The psalmist contrasts their apparent success with the struggles of the righteous, raising questions about justice and the fate of the wicked. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder of the tension between the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the faithfulness of God to those who trust in Him. It encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even when it seems that the wicked thrive without consequence.
How to apply Psalms 73:9 to your life
This verse encourages us to be mindful of our words and the impact they have on others. We should strive to speak positively and uphold God's truth, rather than following the example of those who rebel against Him. Staying grounded in faith helps us resist negative influences.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 73:9
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 73:9
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 73:9 mean about the wicked's speech?
Psalms 73:9 illustrates the arrogance of the wicked, highlighting how they openly defy God by speaking against Him. The phrase 'set their mouth against the heavens' indicates their contempt for divine authority, while 'their tongue walks through the earth' suggests they actively spread their rebellious ideas, influencing others negatively. This verse serves as a reminder of the boldness of the wicked and the challenges faced by the righteous.
How can Psalms 73:9 apply to my life today?
This verse encourages us to be aware of the words we use and their potential impact on others. It reminds us to speak positively and uphold God's truth rather than emulate those who rebel against Him. By staying grounded in our faith and resisting negative influences, we can contribute to a more uplifting environment and remain steadfast in our beliefs, even when faced with challenges.
What is the significance of 'setting their mouth against the heavens'?
The phrase 'setting their mouth against the heavens' signifies a blatant rejection of God's authority and standards. It reflects the attitude of the wicked who not only defy God but also challenge His sovereignty through their words. This imagery emphasizes their arrogance and the seriousness of their rebellion, serving as a warning to believers about the dangers of such attitudes.
What does 'their tongue walks through the earth' imply?
The expression 'their tongue walks through the earth' implies that the wicked actively spread their rebellious ideas and attitudes. It suggests that their influence is widespread, affecting many people. This highlights the power of speech and the responsibility we have to use our words wisely, as they can either uplift or lead others astray.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.