Psalm 73:9
ESV
They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth.
NIV
Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.
NASB
They have set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue parades through the earth.
CSB
They set their mouths against heaven, and their tongues strut across the earth.
NLT
They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth.
KJV
They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
NKJV
They set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue walks through the earth.
What does Psalm 73:9 mean?
The prosperous wicked of Asaph's day (Psalm 73:1–3) had the ability to influence many people, and this was a power they abused to speak against God. Or, to contradict God's truth without fearing consequences. As with sins of arrogance (Psalm 73:6) and hateful ridicule (Psalm 73:8), the power of influence and speaking against God are common traits to see when a godless person finds success. Psalm 2 predicts that in the end time the wicked kings and rulers of the earth will be described by this kind of attitude. They will speak arrogantly against the Lord and His Anointed, and they will plan to overthrow them. Verse 3 quotes them as saying, "Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us" (Psalm 2:3).It has often been characteristic of ungodly, powerful men to insult the Lord and boast about their accomplishments. Although they think they are in control of their own lives, they are wrong. They perform the will of the Devil. Jesus told a group of vain religious leaders: "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires" (John 8:44). During the tribulation period, before Jesus returns to rule the earth, evil leadership will serve the Devil by opposing the Lord and His people (Revelation 13).
