Psalm 12:4 in the King James Version reads:"Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?"
This verse reflects the arrogance of those who believe they are accountable to no one, especially in how they use their words. In a broader context, Psalm 12 addresses the prevalence of deceit and pride in society, a timeless issue. The psalmist, David, contrasts human defiance with God’s ultimate authority and call to purity in speech and conduct.
Key Themes in Psalm 12:4
Prideful Speech: The verse illustrates human arrogance and self-reliance. Those who proclaim, "our lips are our own," reject accountability to God for their words and actions, placing themselves above divine authority.
Accountability to God: Implicit in the text is the reminder that no aspect of human life, including speech, is free from God's oversight.
The Power of Words: Words have the power to build up or destroy, and misusing them reveals a heart not yielded to God.
Ellen G. White's Insights on the Power of Words
Ellen White’s writings repeatedly emphasize the responsibility of Christians to use their words for God’s glory. Here are some of her insights that resonate with Psalm 12:4:
Words Reflect Character: White teaches that words are an outflow of the heart. In Christ's Object Lessons, she states, "Every word and act has its weight in deciding our destiny and the destiny of others" (p. 349). This aligns with the psalmist’s concern about the misuse of speech by the proud and deceitful.
Accountability to God: In Steps to Christ, Ellen White emphasizes that humans are stewards of their speech, stating, "Our words...are the fruits of our thoughts, and they will return to bless or curse us" (p. 57). Those who defy God's lordship, as depicted in Psalm 12:4, forget that every idle word will be judged (Matthew 12:36).
The Danger of Self-Reliance: Ellen White frequently warns against self-reliance and pride. In Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, she writes, "The lips that claim self-ownership are not yielding to the Spirit of God but are under the control of the enemy." This echoes the sentiment in Psalm 12:4, where human arrogance leads to spiritual rebellion.
Speech as a Tool for Evangelism: Ellen White reminds believers of the redemptive potential of words. She calls for speech that uplifts, encourages, and points others to Christ. In contrast to those in Psalm 12:4, who misuse their words for personal gain, Christians are called to speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
Practical Lessons for Today
Guarding Our Words: In a world saturated with harmful and careless speech, believers are called to be mindful of how their words impact others and reflect their relationship with God.
Submitting to God’s Lordship: Recognizing that even our words are under God's authority fosters humility and dependence on Him.
Living as Witnesses: Speech that is pure and God-honoring stands as a testimony against the arrogance and deceit present in society.
Conclusion
Psalm 12:4 serves as a warning against the arrogance of self-reliance and the misuse of speech. It reminds us that our words, like all aspects of our lives, belong to God. Ellen White's writings beautifully complement this message by emphasizing the spiritual significance of words and the responsibility of Christians to use them for good.
In submitting our speech to God, we not only align with His will but also become instruments of His grace in a world that desperately needs truth and love. Let our lips declare, not independence from God, but our trust in His sovereignty and our desire to glorify Him.
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