What can we learn about pride from Psalm 73:9? Setting the Scene Psalm 73 exposes the inner conflict of a godly man who watches the wicked flourish. Verse 9 lands in the middle of his description of their arrogance: “They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth.” What the Verse Reveals • “Set their mouths against the heavens” – they speak as though they can challenge God Himself, denying His authority. • “Tongues strut across the earth” – their speech roams unchecked, boasting everywhere they go. • Together, mouth and tongue paint pride as both vertical (blaspheming upward) and horizontal (boasting outward). Key Lessons About Pride • Pride makes people talk big about themselves and small about God. • Proud words aren’t confined to private spaces; they “strut,” seeking an audience. • Pride’s bold speech feels powerful for a moment, yet it provokes divine opposition (James 4:6; Proverbs 16:18). • Because pride challenges heaven, it ultimately invites judgment (Isaiah 14:13-15; Obadiah 1:3-4). Supporting Scripture Snapshots • Proverbs 6:16-17 – haughty eyes and a lying tongue top the list of what God hates. • 1 John 2:16 – “the boastful pride of life” belongs to the world, not the Father. • Psalm 12:4 – “With our tongues we will prevail… Who can be master over us?” echoes the same attitude. • Luke 18:14 – the humble, not the self-righteous braggart, go home justified. Consequences in Psalm 73 • vv. 18-19 – God “sets them on slippery places” and brings sudden ruin. • vv. 20-22 – The psalmist realizes that envy of proud talkers is foolish; their success is fleeting. Guarding Our Hearts • Measure words: does my speech honor heaven or challenge it? (Ephesians 4:29) • Cultivate gratitude; thankful lips crowd out boasting (Psalm 34:1-2). • Remember God hears every word (Psalm 139:4) and will weigh them (Matthew 12:36-37). • Pursue humility by fixing eyes on Christ, “gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29). Takeaway Pride fills the mouth with challenges toward God and boasts before people. Psalm 73:9 warns that such inflated words may sound impressive now, but they set the speaker on a collision course with the Almighty. Choosing humble, God-exalting speech keeps us safe on solid ground. |
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