The wicked boast arrogantly, but their pride comes to nothing before God’s sovereign power.
When the psalmist declares, “They have set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue parades through the earth.” (v.9), he describes the bold arrogance of the wicked who speak as though they are above all accountability. Their words are so haughty they seem to reach the very realm of God, scoffing at His sovereignty and boasting about their own supposed greatness. In Psalm 73, these boastful ones are further portrayed as wearing “pride” like a necklace, suggesting they openly flaunt their rebellion against God for all to see. Such disdainful self-elevation reveals hearts focused on exalting themselves rather than honoring the Almighty.
The psalmist’s lament arises from seeing how the wicked often seem unrestrained in their attitudes, speaking words so expansive they sweep “through the earth” as if trampling down any voice of truth. This puffed-up speech challenges the faith of the righteous, who may wonder why God permits such open insolence. Yet, by calling attention to this arrogance, the psalmist underscores that God is not deaf to such boasting. He sees and knows, and the ultimate measure of justice still rests in His righteous hands (Psalm 73:16-17).
Facing such high-handed talk reminds the believer that though the wicked appear invincible, their self-important words cannot stand forever. The psalmist later regains an eternal perspective, realizing that earthly circumstances and prideful declarations fade like a vapor in the presence of the Lord. From this vantage point, the grandeur of human boasting is humbled, and the Lord proves Himself to be the final authority.
Set to dark mode
Psalms 73:9 meaning
When the psalmist declares, “They have set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue parades through the earth.” (v.9), he describes the bold arrogance of the wicked who speak as though they are above all accountability. Their words are so haughty they seem to reach the very realm of God, scoffing at His sovereignty and boasting about their own supposed greatness. In Psalm 73, these boastful ones are further portrayed as wearing “pride” like a necklace, suggesting they openly flaunt their rebellion against God for all to see. Such disdainful self-elevation reveals hearts focused on exalting themselves rather than honoring the Almighty.
The psalmist’s lament arises from seeing how the wicked often seem unrestrained in their attitudes, speaking words so expansive they sweep “through the earth” as if trampling down any voice of truth. This puffed-up speech challenges the faith of the righteous, who may wonder why God permits such open insolence. Yet, by calling attention to this arrogance, the psalmist underscores that God is not deaf to such boasting. He sees and knows, and the ultimate measure of justice still rests in His righteous hands (Psalm 73:16-17).
Facing such high-handed talk reminds the believer that though the wicked appear invincible, their self-important words cannot stand forever. The psalmist later regains an eternal perspective, realizing that earthly circumstances and prideful declarations fade like a vapor in the presence of the Lord. From this vantage point, the grandeur of human boasting is humbled, and the Lord proves Himself to be the final authority.