Micah 6:12

KJV

For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue [is] deceitful in their mouth.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the rich men {H6223} thereof are full {H4390} of violence {H2555}, and the inhabitants {H3427} thereof have spoken {H1696} lies {H8267}, and their tongue {H3956} is deceitful {H7423} in their mouth {H6310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The rich men there are full of violence, the inhabitants tell lies, with tongues of deceit in their mouths.

Berean Standard Bible

For the wealthy of the city are full of violence, and its residents speak lies; their tongues are deceitful in their mouths.

American Standard Version

For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 6:12 delivers a searing indictment against the moral and social decay pervasive in Judah, revealing a society deeply corrupted by the actions of its elite and the widespread dishonesty of its general populace. The verse exposes a systemic breakdown of justice and truth, where the powerful exploit the vulnerable through economic oppression and deceit, while common citizens engage in habitual falsehoods, highlighting the profound spiritual sickness that necessitated divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 6:12 is situated within a powerful divine "controversy" or lawsuit (Hebrew: _riv_) that God brings against His people, Israel and Judah, in Micah 6. This section begins with God calling creation itself to witness His case against His unfaithful covenant partners ([Micah 6:1-2](/micah/6-1-2 "Micah 6:1-2 - God's Lawsuit Against Israel")). Before leveling direct accusations, God reminds them of His past faithfulness, recounting the Exodus and the preservation from Balak and Balaam ([Micah 6:3-5](/micah/6-3-5 "Micah 6:3-5 - God's Faithfulness Recalled")). The people's bewildered response, questioning how to appease God through escalating sacrifices ([Micah 6:6-7](/micah/6-6-7 "Micah 6:6-7 - The People's Misguided Response")), sets the stage for Micah's famous summary of true worship: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" ([Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")). Immediately preceding verse 12, Micah condemns the use of "wicked scales" and "deceitful weights" ([Micah 6:10-11](/micah/6-10-11 "Micah 6:10-11 - Condemnation of Unjust Practices")), directly connecting economic injustice to the broader moral corruption addressed in verse 12. Thus, Micah 6:12 serves as a direct accusation detailing the specific manifestations of the societal failure to uphold the covenant demands.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Micah prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (c. 740-687 BC) in Judah, a period marked by significant social stratification and political instability. The wealthy elite often accumulated their riches through exploitative practices, leveraging their power to oppress the poor and manipulate legal systems. This was common in ancient Near Eastern societies where the powerful could easily exploit the vulnerable through usury, land seizure, and corrupt judicial proceedings. The "violence" mentioned in the verse would have encompassed not only physical aggression but more commonly economic exploitation, legal injustice, and the abuse of authority. Dishonesty, particularly in commercial dealings, was rampant, as evidenced by the condemnation of "false balances" and "deceitful weights" ([Micah 6:10-11](/micah/6-10-11 "Micah 6:10-11 - Unjust Weights and Measures")). The prophet's message was delivered to a people who, despite outward religious observance, had fundamentally departed from the ethical and moral requirements of their covenant with Yahweh, reflecting a deep-seated societal corruption that permeated all levels, from the ruling class to the common citizen.
* **Key Themes:** Micah 6:12 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Micah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Social Injustice and Oppression**, particularly highlighting how the "rich men" use their power to perpetuate "violence" (economic exploitation and abuse of the vulnerable). This aligns with Micah's broader critique of the ruling class and false prophets who exploit the people ([Micah 3:1-3](/micah/3-1-3 "Micah 3:1-3 - Indictment of Corrupt Leaders")). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Pervasive Dishonesty and Deceit**, showing how "lies" and "deceitful tongues" have become ingrained in the society's fabric, eroding trust and justice. This moral decay stands in stark contrast to God's character of truth and righteousness. Lastly, it speaks to the theme of **Covenant Unfaithfulness and Impending Judgment**. The actions described in verse 12 are direct violations of the Mosaic Covenant, demonstrating Judah's failure to live up to God's righteous standards. Such widespread sin inevitably leads to divine judgment, a recurring motif throughout Micah's prophecy, which calls the people to repentance before the full weight of God's wrath falls upon them ([Micah 1:2-5](/micah/1-2-5 "Micah 1:2-5 - God's Judgment Announced")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Violence (Hebrew, _châmâç'_):** This term (H2555) signifies more than just physical aggression; it encompasses injustice, wrongdoing, and oppression. In the context of Micah 6:12, it points to the systemic exploitation and abuse of power by the wealthy, often manifested through economic means, legal manipulation, and the denial of rights to the vulnerable. It denotes actions that cause harm and violate the inherent dignity and rights of others, reflecting a society where the powerful unjustly accumulate wealth.
* **Spoken (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** While a general term for speaking (H1696), in this context, it highlights the deliberate and active nature of the "inhabitants" in uttering "lies." It implies that falsehoods are not accidental but are intentionally communicated, indicating a conscious choice to deceive and mislead. This word emphasizes the agency of the people in perpetuating dishonesty through their verbal interactions.
* **Deceitful (Hebrew, _rᵉmîyâh'_):** This word (H7423) denotes remissness, treachery, and guile. When applied to the tongue, it describes speech that is cunning, fraudulent, and untrustworthy. It suggests a habitual pattern of deception, where the very instrument of communication—the tongue—is inherently unreliable and used to mislead, not merely occasionally but as a characteristic trait.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the rich men thereof are full of violence":** This clause indicts the wealthy elite of Judah, stating they are "full" or saturated with _châmâç_. This indicates that violence, in the sense of injustice, oppression, and exploitation, is not an isolated act but a pervasive characteristic of their lives and dealings. Their affluence is often acquired and maintained through means that harm and violate the rights of others, particularly the poor and vulnerable.
* **"and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies":** This expands the condemnation beyond the elite to the general populace ("the inhabitants"). It reveals that dishonesty is not confined to the powerful but is widespread among the common people. The act of "speaking lies" points to a culture where truth is disregarded, and falsehoods are regularly communicated, whether in business, legal matters, or daily interactions, further eroding societal trust.
* **"and their tongue [is] deceitful in their mouth":** This final clause intensifies the accusation of dishonesty, focusing on the instrument of speech itself. The "tongue" being "deceitful" (_rᵉmîyâh_) signifies that deception is deeply ingrained and habitual. It implies a cunning and treacherous use of language, where words are employed not to convey truth but to manipulate, defraud, and betray, highlighting a profound moral corruption at the very core of their communication.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 6:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "full of violence," suggesting that violence (injustice) completely saturates the rich, implying an overwhelming and pervasive corruption rather than just occasional acts. The repetition of ideas regarding dishonesty—"spoken lies" and "their tongue is deceitful"—serves as a form of **Parallelism** and **Emphasis**, underscoring the deep-seated and widespread nature of falsehoods in society. This reiteration intensifies the indictment, showing that deceit is not merely an action but a characteristic. The use of **Metonymy** is present in "their tongue is deceitful in their mouth," where "tongue" stands for speech or communication itself, highlighting that the very means of expression is corrupted. This vivid imagery paints a stark picture of a society where truth has been abandoned, and injustice reigns, making the prophet's condemnation all the more impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 6:12 powerfully articulates the Lord's abhorrence for social injustice and pervasive dishonesty, demonstrating that true worship and covenant faithfulness are inextricably linked to ethical conduct. God's character is one of truth and righteousness, and He demands that His people reflect these attributes in their dealings with one another. The exploitation by the rich and the widespread deceit among the inhabitants are direct violations of the covenant, which mandates justice, love for neighbor, and integrity. This verse serves as a reminder that outward religious rituals are meaningless if unaccompanied by genuine moral uprightness and a commitment to truth and equity in society. The Lord's "controversy" with His people is precisely because their actions contradict the very nature of the God they claim to worship.

* [Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - Dishonest Scales are an Abomination")
* [Jeremiah 9:3-5](/jeremiah/9-3-5 "Jeremiah 9:3-5 - A Land of Lies and Deceit")
* [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 6:12 stands as a timeless mirror, reflecting the enduring human propensity for injustice and deceit, and challenging us to examine the moral fabric of our own communities and hearts. The prophet's condemnation of the "rich men" being "full of violence" compels us to consider how power and wealth, if unchecked, can lead to systemic exploitation and oppression, often through subtle economic means rather than overt physical aggression. This calls believers to advocate for economic justice, fair labor practices, and equitable systems that protect the vulnerable. Furthermore, the pervasive "lies" and "deceitful tongue" among "the inhabitants" serve as a stark warning against the erosion of truth in public discourse, personal interactions, and even within the church. In an age of misinformation and fractured trust, this verse urges us to cultivate radical honesty, integrity in our speech, and a commitment to speaking truth in love. Ultimately, Micah 6:12 reminds us that our faith is not merely a private spiritual exercise but must manifest in a tangible commitment to righteousness, justice, and truth in every sphere of life, reflecting the character of God in a fallen world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "violence" (injustice or exploitation) manifest in economic or social systems today, and how can believers respond?**
* **How does the pervasive nature of "lies" and "deceitful tongues" in Micah's time compare to the challenges of truthfulness in our contemporary society?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my own speech is marked by integrity and truth, avoiding even subtle forms of deceit?**
* **How can the church collectively embody the call for justice and truth in a way that challenges societal norms, as Micah did?**

### FAQ
**What kind of "violence" is Micah referring to in this verse?**

Answer: The "violence" (Hebrew: _châmâç_) in Micah 6:12 is not limited to physical assault but primarily refers to social and economic injustice, oppression, and wrongdoing. It encompasses the abuse of power by the wealthy and influential, who used their position to exploit the poor, manipulate legal systems, and engage in dishonest business practices. This would include actions like using "wicked scales" and "deceitful weights" ([Micah 6:10-11](/micah/6-10-11 "Micah 6:10-11 - Unjust Weights and Measures")), extorting land, or denying justice to the vulnerable. It describes a pervasive atmosphere of harm caused by the powerful against the powerless.

**Why does Micah emphasize both the rich and the general inhabitants in this condemnation?**

Answer: Micah's indictment targets both the "rich men" and "the inhabitants" to show that the moral corruption was deeply pervasive, affecting all levels of society. The "rich men" were primarily responsible for systemic injustice and oppression, leveraging their power and wealth for exploitation. However, the "inhabitants" (the general populace) were also guilty of widespread dishonesty, speaking "lies" and having "deceitful tongues." This dual focus highlights that the problem was not isolated to one group but had infected the entire nation, demonstrating a comprehensive societal breakdown in covenant faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 6:12, with its stark portrayal of a society steeped in violence and deceit, finds its ultimate fulfillment and redemptive answer in Jesus Christ. The pervasive injustice and falsehoods condemned by Micah reveal humanity's desperate need for a perfect King and a faithful High Priest who would not exploit or deceive. Jesus, the true "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), perfectly embodied justice and truth, never engaging in violence or deceit. He consistently spoke truth, even when it led to His suffering, and He championed the cause of the poor and oppressed, rebuking the religious and political elites who burdened the people ([Matthew 23:1-36](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ bore the judgment for humanity's sin, including our violence and deceit, offering forgiveness and a new nature that empowers believers to live righteously and truthfully. The Holy Spirit, given to those in Christ, enables us to shed the old ways of falsehood and injustice and to walk in integrity and love, reflecting the character of the One who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Thus, Christ not only fulfills the prophetic yearning for justice and truth but also empowers His followers to become agents of His righteousness in a world still grappling with the very sins Micah so powerfully condemned.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hosea 7:13

Woe unto them! for they have fled from me: destruction unto them! because they have transgressed against me: though I have redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me.

Isaiah 1:23

Thy princes [are] rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.

Jeremiah 9:8

Their tongue [is as] an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: [one] speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait.

Micah 2:1

¶ Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.

Micah 2:2

And they covet fields, and take [them] by violence; and houses, and take [them] away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage.

Jeremiah 9:2

Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they [be] all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.

Jeremiah 9:6

Thine habitation [is] in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD.