Micah 6:12

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

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}.

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

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

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

Micah 6:12 delivers a scathing indictment of the moral decay prevalent in Judah during the prophet Micah’s ministry. This verse specifically targets the systemic corruption and dishonesty that had permeated society, from the powerful elite to the general populace.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophetic discourse in Micah 6 where God brings a "controversy" or lawsuit against His people. Having reminded them of His past faithfulness (Micah 6:3-5), the Lord now exposes their egregious sins. The preceding verses lament their unjust weights and measures, setting the stage for this direct accusation of violence and deceit. Micah's prophecy often highlights the stark contrast between God's righteous demands, famously summarized in Micah 6:8, and the nation's widespread failure to uphold justice, mercy, and humility.

Key Themes

  • Social Injustice and Oppression: The phrase "the rich men thereof are full of violence" points to the exploitation and abuse of power by the wealthy and influential. This violence was not necessarily physical assault but often economic oppression, manipulation, and the denial of rights to the vulnerable. It reflects a society where the powerful used their position to accumulate wealth unjustly, a common theme among the Old Testament prophets.
  • Pervasive Dishonesty: The repeated emphasis on "spoken lies" and a "deceitful tongue" underscores a culture where truth had become a casualty. This wasn't merely occasional falsehoods but a habitual pattern of deception in business dealings, legal proceedings, and daily interactions. Such pervasive dishonesty erodes trust and undermines the very fabric of a just society.
  • Moral Corruption: Micah 6:12 paints a picture of a nation deeply entrenched in sin, where both the elite and the common "inhabitants" participated in corrupt practices. This widespread moral decay invited God's judgment, as their actions contradicted the covenant relationship they had with Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "violence" (αΈ₯āmās) used here often denotes not just physical force but also injustice, wrongdoing, and oppression. It's a strong term indicating actions that cause harm and violate rights. The repetition of "lies" and "deceitful tongue" emphasizes the deliberate and ingrained nature of their falsehoods. The phrase "deceitful in their mouth" uses the word mirmah, which implies cunning, treachery, and fraud.

Practical Application

Micah 6:12 serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of unchecked power, social injustice, and the erosion of truth. For believers today, it calls for:

  • Integrity in Speech: We are challenged to speak truthfully and to avoid gossip, slander, and intentional misrepresentation, remembering that lying lips are an abomination to the Lord.
  • Advocacy for Justice: The verse reminds us of the biblical imperative to care for the vulnerable and to challenge systems that oppress, echoing the call for justice to roll down like waters.
  • Self-Examination: It prompts us to examine our own hearts and actions, ensuring that our pursuit of wealth or influence does not lead to unethical practices or the exploitation of others.
This verse highlights that true spiritual health is reflected not only in religious rituals but also in ethical conduct and genuine love for neighbor.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

    ΒΆ 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.
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