Psalm 12 Bible Commentary

John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes

(Read all of Psalm 12)

Verse 4

[4] Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?

Prevail — By raising and spreading evil reports concerning him.

Our own — At our own disposal to speak what we please, who can control or restrain us?

Verse 5

[5] For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.

Puffeth — From him that despises him, and hopes to destroy him with a puff of breath.

Verse 6

[6] The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

Pure — Without the least mixture of falsehood; and therefore shall infallibly be fulfilled.

Verse 7

[7] Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

Thou shalt keep them — Thy words or promises: these thou wilt observe and keep, both now, and from this generation for ever.

Verse 8

[8] The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.

Walk — They fill all places, and go about boldly and securely.