Psalms 73:9

KJV

They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

They set {H8371}{H8804)} their mouth {H6310} against the heavens {H8064}, and their tongue {H3956} walketh {H1980}{H8799)} through the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They set their mouths against heaven; their tongues swagger through the earth.

Berean Standard Bible

They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth.

American Standard Version

They have set their mouth in the heavens, And their tongue walketh through the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 73:9 vividly portrays the audacious and pervasive arrogance of the wicked, whose defiant speech challenges divine authority and permeates human society without restraint. This verse is a pivotal observation by Asaph, the psalmist, as he grapples with the perplexing prosperity of the ungodly, describing their open blasphemy against God and the widespread, corrupting influence of their words on earth, thereby setting the stage for his eventual spiritual breakthrough regarding divine justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 73 opens with Asaph's profound spiritual crisis, where his faith is severely tested by the apparent ease and prosperity of the wicked, contrasting sharply with the suffering of the righteous. He confesses that his "feet had almost stumbled" and his "steps had nearly slipped" when he observed the peace of the ungodly ([Psalms 73:2](/psalms/73-2 "Psalm 73:2 - Asaph's Near Stumble")). Verses 3-12 elaborate on the characteristics of these wicked individuals, detailing their pride, violence, and material success. Verse 9, specifically, focuses on their speech, which is presented as a direct manifestation of their internal rebellion and contempt for God. This description builds towards Asaph's pivotal moment of understanding in the sanctuary, where he perceives the ultimate end of the wicked ([Psalms 73:17](/psalms/73-17 "Psalm 73:17 - Asaph's Realization in the Sanctuary")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel and the broader Near East, speech held immense power. Words were not merely sounds but were believed to carry inherent force, capable of blessing or cursing, creating or destroying. Blasphemy, speaking against God or divine authority, was considered one of the gravest offenses, often punishable by death ([Leviticus 24:16](/levitic24/24-16 "Leviticus 24:16 - The Law on Blasphemy")). The "heavens" (שָׁמַיִם, _shamayim_) were understood as the dwelling place of God, the seat of ultimate power and authority. To "set one's mouth against the heavens" was thus a direct, audacious challenge to the highest authority, a public declaration of rebellion against the divine order. The concept of a "tongue walking through the earth" suggests an unhindered, pervasive influence, akin to a conquering army or a widespread disease, indicating that their corrupting words were not confined to private spaces but permeated public discourse and societal norms.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalms 73 and the wisdom literature. Firstly, it highlights **Blasphemous Arrogance**, showcasing the wicked's open defiance of God and their belief that they are above divine judgment. This hubris is a core characteristic of their ungodly nature, as further elaborated in [Psalms 73:6](/psalms/73-6 "Psalm 73:6 - The Pride of the Wicked"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Pervasive Earthly Influence** of their ungodly speech. Their words are not idle but actively spread lies, slander, and godless philosophies, corrupting societal values and misleading the naive. This theme resonates with the broader biblical concern for the power of the tongue and its potential for destructive influence, as seen in [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - The Power of Life and Death in the Tongue"). Finally, the verse underscores the **Contempt for Authority** exhibited by the wicked, who disregard both divine and human accountability, believing themselves immune to consequences. This defiance sets up the dramatic contrast with Asaph's eventual understanding of God's justice and the ultimate, precarious end of the ungodly ([Psalms 73:18-19](/psalms/73-18 "Psalm 73:18-19 - The Slippery Places of the Wicked")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Set (Hebrew, _shatu'_):** The verb שָׁתוּ (_shatu_) means "to set," "to place," or "to direct." In this context, it conveys a deliberate, purposeful, and resolute action. It's not an accidental utterance but a conscious, intentional positioning of their speech in direct opposition to God. This emphasizes the profound audacity and defiance inherent in their blasphemy.
* **Heavens (Hebrew, _shamayim'_):** The term שָׁמַיִם (_shamayim_) refers to the sky or the heavens, commonly understood in biblical thought as the dwelling place of God, the realm of divine authority and power. To "set their mouth against the heavens" is therefore a direct, frontal assault on God Himself, challenging His sovereignty, justice, and very existence. It signifies a profound rejection of any higher accountability.
* **Walketh (Hebrew, _tihalekh'_):** The verb תְּהַלֵּךְ (_tihalekh_) comes from the root הָלַךְ (_halakh_), meaning "to walk" or "to go." Here, in the context of a "tongue walking through the earth," it denotes an unhindered, pervasive, and active movement. It suggests that their words are not confined but spread freely, dominating public discourse, permeating society, and influencing widely, much like a person or an animal moving about without restraint.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They set their mouth against the heavens":** This clause describes the wicked's direct and audacious rebellion against God. Their speech is not merely impious but openly blasphemous, challenging divine authority, questioning God's justice, and perhaps even denying His existence or power. It signifies a profound hubris where they elevate their own opinions and desires above the Creator, demonstrating a complete disregard for divine judgment or accountability. This is a deliberate act of defiance, a verbal assault on the very throne of God.
* **"and their tongue walketh through the earth":** This second clause illustrates the widespread and unhindered influence of the wicked's ungodly speech. Their words are not limited to private circles but spread pervasively throughout society, influencing public opinion, disseminating lies, slander, and corrupting philosophies. The imagery of the "tongue walking" suggests an active, unconstrained, and dominating presence, as if their words freely roam and conquer earthly discourse, shaping culture and leading others astray without any perceived resistance or consequence. It highlights the destructive power of unchecked verbal arrogance and its ability to permeate human culture.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 73:9 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the audacious nature of the wicked. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "their tongue walketh through the earth," attributing human action (walking) to an inanimate body part (the tongue), vividly illustrating the pervasive and unhindered spread of their words. This is further amplified by **Hyperbole**, as neither a mouth can literally be "set against the heavens" nor a tongue literally "walk through the earth." These exaggerations emphasize the extreme audacity of their blasphemy and the vast, unchecked reach of their influence, making their arrogance seem boundless. The entire verse functions as a potent **Metaphor**, where the physical actions of "setting the mouth" and "walking the tongue" represent the spiritual rebellion and societal corruption wrought by their speech. The imagery paints a picture of a verbal assault that is both vertical (against God) and horizontal (across humanity), demonstrating their comprehensive disdain for all authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a stark theological commentary on the nature of human rebellion and the power of words. It highlights the profound spiritual danger of pride that escalates to open blasphemy against God, demonstrating a heart utterly devoid of reverence or fear of divine judgment. The "mouth against the heavens" signifies a rejection of God's sovereignty and moral order, while the "tongue walking through the earth" underscores the pervasive and corrupting influence of such rebellion on human society. The psalmist's observation here is not just about individual sin, but about a systemic ungodliness that seeks to dominate and redefine truth in the public square, challenging the very fabric of righteous living. Ultimately, the verse sets up the dramatic contrast with God's ultimate justice, reminding us that while such arrogance may seem to flourish temporarily, divine reckoning is inevitable.

* [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - Things the Lord Hates")
* [Revelation 13:5-6](/revelation/13-5 "Revelation 13:5-6 - The Beast's Blasphemous Mouth")
* [James 3:5-6](/james/3-5 "James 3:5-6 - The Destructive Power of the Tongue")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 73:9 offers a timeless lens through which to view the challenges faced by believers in any age. In a world where voices of skepticism, cynicism, and outright defiance against God and moral truth often seem loud, confident, and influential, this verse calls us to spiritual discernment. It reminds us that such audacious speech, whether in public discourse, media, or personal interactions, often stems from a heart that has rejected divine authority and operates without fear of consequence, believing itself to be the ultimate arbiter of truth. Like Asaph, we are called not to be swayed or disheartened by the apparent success or bold declarations of those who defy God. Instead, our faith must remain anchored in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty, trusting that while the wicked may seem to dominate the narrative for a season, their end is precarious and their influence ultimately limited by God's decree. We are challenged to guard our hearts against envy and despair, and to proactively engage the world with words seasoned with grace and truth, offering a counter-narrative of hope, righteousness, and the unchanging reality of God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you observe "mouths set against the heavens" in contemporary society, and what is your immediate emotional or spiritual reaction?**
* **In what ways does the "tongue walk through the earth" today, spreading ungodly philosophies or undermining truth?**
* **How can believers effectively "speak truth" in a world where ungodly voices seem so pervasive and confident, without succumbing to despair or adopting similar tactics?**
* **What disciplines or practices help you maintain your spiritual footing when confronted with the apparent prosperity or influence of those who defy God?**

### FAQ
**What does "They set their mouth against the heavens" truly mean in a theological sense?**

Answer: The phrase "They set their mouth against the heavens" signifies an extreme form of blasphemous arrogance and defiance directed squarely at God Himself. Theologically, it implies a deliberate challenge to divine authority, a rejection of any heavenly accountability, and often, an open contempt for God's existence, power, or justice. It's not merely questioning or doubting, but an active, intentional verbal assault on the Creator and His moral order, demonstrating a profound hubris where human will is elevated above divine decree. This is a direct affront to the holiness and sovereignty of God, echoing the rebellion of Lucifer who sought to exalt his throne above the stars of God ([Isaiah 14:13-14](/isaiah/14-13 "Isaiah 14:13-14 - Lucifer's Arrogance")).

**How does "their tongue walketh through the earth" describe their influence?**

Answer: This vivid imagery implies that the wicked's speech is not confined or limited but spreads widely, pervasively, and without restraint throughout human society. Their words, whether lies, slander, false doctrines, or ungodly philosophies, actively permeate public discourse and influence culture. The "walking" suggests an unhindered, dominating, and conquering movement, as if their words freely roam and establish their presence everywhere. It highlights the destructive power of unchecked verbal arrogance and its ability to corrupt societal norms, mislead the naive, and undermine truth, much like a pervasive spiritual poison that infiltrates every corner of the world ([James 3:6](/james/3-6 "James 3:6 - The Tongue as a Fire")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 73:9, with its depiction of the wicked's audacious blasphemy and pervasive earthly influence, finds its ultimate contrast and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the ungodly "set their mouth against the heavens," Christ is the very Word of God who descended from heaven ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word"); [John 3:13](/john/3-13 "John 3:13 - No One Has Ascended to Heaven")). He did not speak against the heavens but perfectly embodied and declared the will of God, even to the point of death on a cross. The wicked's tongue "walketh through the earth" spreading lies and corruption, but Jesus's tongue spoke truth, grace, and life, bringing light into darkness and establishing a kingdom that is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")). He was the target of such blasphemous tongues during His trial and crucifixion ([Matthew 27:39-44](/matthew/27-39 "Matthew 27:39-44 - Mocking Jesus on the Cross")), yet His silence and ultimate sacrifice exposed the emptiness of their arrogant words. Ultimately, Christ, who was slandered and defied, is the one to whom "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). He is the divine authority against whom no mouth can ultimately prevail, and His truth, not the lies of the wicked, will ultimately "walk through the earth" and fill it with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord ([Habakkuk 2:14](/habakkuk/2-14 "Habakkuk 2:14 - The Earth Filled with God's Glory")).

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

Revelation 13:6

And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

James 3:6

And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

Exodus 5:2

And Pharaoh said, Who [is] the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.

Daniel 7:25

And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

Daniel 3:15

Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; [well]: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who [is] that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?

2 Chronicles 32:15

Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand?

Luke 18:4

And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;