John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes on the Bible (1765)

Psalms 12

Also read this chapter inComplete Commentary on the Bible Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary

Verse 4

⁴Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?

Prevail - By raising and spreading evil reports concerning him. Our own - At our own disposal to speak what we please, who can control or restrain us?

Verse 5

⁵For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.

Puffeth - From him that despises him, and hopes to destroy him with a puff of breath.

Verse 6

⁶The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

Pure - Without the least mixture of falsehood; and therefore shall infallibly be fulfilled.

Verse 7

⁷Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

Thou shalt keep them - Thy words or promises: these thou wilt observe and keep, both now, and from this generation for ever.

Verse 8

⁸The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.

Walk - They fill all places, and go about boldly and securely.